Are the effects of statins different than the effects of omega-3 fatty acids?

Dear NC,

Lipitor is a blood-cholesterol lowering statin drug. Omega-3 fatty acid from fish oil in the form of DHA/EPA has no LDL cholesterol-lowering potential and should not be considered as replacing the blood cholesterol-lowering effects of statin drugs. In their dietary guidelines, the American Heart Association has recommended the daily consumption of 900 mg (0.9 g/per day) of DHA/EPA (combined) in the form of supplementation for those who do not consume fatty fish on a daily basis and who are know to have coronary heart disease (including those with a previous heart attack). DHA/EPA omega-3 fatty acids exhibit their beneficial effects on cardio care by a wide range of different mechanisms as discussed on our website herein. It is noted that there are still unanswered questions regarding the advisability or not of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation (as DHA/EPA) in those subsets of cardiovascular patients who are on implantable defibrillators (ICD units). The DHA/EPA Omega-3 Institute does not endorse specific commercial products although the companies that provide support for the operations of our website do provide DHA/EPA concentrates which appear in a wide range of supplements as available in the marketplace. DHA/EPA omega-3 fatty acid as taken in supplements should be regarded as complimentary to standard medical care (prescribed pharmaceuticals), as provided by your doctor or medical specialist. The website, www.ifosprogram.com, provides information on different brand name products by giving the levels of DHA/EPA as well as levels of various contaminants when present (mercury, PCB's etc).