The number one killer of men and women in the United States is cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for Caucasians, African Americans, Latinos, Pacific Islanders, and Indian or Alaskan natives in the country. It is estimated that 71.3 million Americans have a form of cardiovascular disease. Consequently a huge market exists for prescriptions, diet plans and dietary supplements aimed at improving heart health. The key is for individuals, with the guidance of a physician, to be able to choose which solution is best for their condition.
Fish-Oil Supplements
Fish oil containing omega-3 fatty acids is obtained from eating certain types of fish or by taking supplements. Beneficial oils known as omega-3 fatty acids can be obtained from mackerel, tuna, salmon, sturgeon, mullet, bluefish, anchovy, sardines, herring, trout and menhaden. Each type contains about 1 g of omega-3 fatty acids in about 3.5 ounces of fish. Fish oil supplements typically contain a combination of small amounts of vitamin E to prevent spoilage along with calcium, iron, or vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C or D.
Statin Medications
Statin medications, or statins, are medications used to lower cholesterol. They lower cholesterol by blocking the substance the body that is needed to make cholesterol. Statins can also help the body reabsorb cholesterol that has built up in plaques on the walls of arteries. This prevents further blockage in the blood vessels, which can help prevent heart attacks.
Benefits of Fish Oil Supplements
Fish oil is commonly used for a wide range of conditions. Individuals with conditions related to the heart and blood system may take fish-oil supplements or consume fish that contains the beneficial omega-3 fatty acids in their daily diets. Fish oil is commonly used to lower blood pressure or triglyceride levels. Fish oil has also been considered in preventing heart disease or stroke. Scientific evidence suggests that fish oil lowers high triglycerides, and helps to prevent heart disease and stroke when taken in recommended amounts. Contradictory to this data it has also been found that taking too much fish oil can actually increase the risk of stroke.
Benefits of Statin Medications
Examples of statins include well-known medications such as Lipitor, Zocor, Mevacor, Pravachol and Crestor. This class of medications has been proven beneficial in lowering cholesterol. However, once placed on statins by a physician for high cholesterol, an individual will more than likely have to continue taking the medication on a long-term basis, even after the blood cholesterol levels have declined to normal limits. If the medication is discontinued, the cholesterol levels will normally go back up, unless strict diet and lifestyle modifications have been made.
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