High levels of cholesterol and triglycerides often result in atherosclerosis, a condition which increases your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Although triglyceride and cholesterol levels can be lowered by making lifestyle changes, some people need extra help. A number of products, both prescription and nonprescription, are useful in this regard.
Statins
Statins are one of the most commonly prescribed medications for lowering cholesterol levels. Statins work by blocking an enzyme that the liver needs to make cholesterol. The main effect of statins is to lower your low-density lipoproteins, or LDL cholesterol, also known as your bad cholesterol. Statins also lower triglycerides and increase your high-density lipoproteins, or HDL or "good" cholesterol, the Mayo Clinic states. Statins are safe for most people, but they can cause liver and muscle problems in some patients.
Nicotinic Acid
Nicotinic acid, which usually comes in the form of niacin or vitamin B3, is a product that comes in both prescription and over-the-counter forms. Niacin's main effect is to increase your HDL cholesterol levels, the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute notes. It is effective at reducing triglyceride levels and LDL cholesterol. Niacin can cause nausea and vomiting in some patients and sometimes causes flushing. These side effects often diminish after repeated use.
Fibrates
Fibrates are a class of medications that includes the drugs gemfibrozil and clofibrate. Fibrates work by altering the way the liver makes different lipids. Fibrates are primarily used to lower triglyceride levels, the American Heart Association explains, but sometimes they cause an increase in HDL levels as well. Fibrates can cause nausea, stomach pain, muscle weakness and blurred vision. In some cases fibrates are combined with statin medications.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats that can be found in flaxseed oil and fatty fish, such as mackerel, herring and sardines. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements are available both with and without a prescription. These fats are primarily used to lower triglycerides, but they also generate a modest increase in HDL levels, the University of Maryland Medical Center states. Side effects of omega-3 fatty acids include nausea, upset stomach and easy bruising or bleeding.
