Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Omacor and Lipids

If one were taking over-the-counter fish oil to achieve all the benefits of Omega-3s, would a better choice be the prescription fish oil, Omacor? Cost is not a factor, nor is lowering triglycerides. The only goal is to lower LDL and raise HDL. Fish oil is touted as having many benefits, yet Omacor seems only to be prescribed for high triglyceride levels. Is Omacor just a highly refined and consistent fish oil? If so, why is a prescription required?
3 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
I also apologize for butting in on this thread....

But I wanted to say how glad I was that you've received some much needed relief from those PVCs. That's fantastic news. I'd be pleased too after the first ablation to only have 5 or 6000/day. That's funny isn't it. But I'm glad you had a second ablation and it was successful. Hope it stays to only the occassional PVC for you. Guess my future holds a periodic echo to check heart structure too cause it does seem like we share the same history. Happy Thanksgiving
Helpful - 0
21064 tn?1309308733
Sorry to cut in on this thread, but it seemed as though there was some room to continue a discussion on an earlier thread.  

Hi Upbeat!!

I hardly ever get pvcs since my ablation.  On occasion, I will get an isolated pvc or a short spell of nsvt (maybe 6-7  beats).  No comparison to the constant  pvcs I used to get.  After my first ablation, I wore a holter monitor and it recorded about 5000-6000 pvcs....I was thrilled, but the doctor wanted to reduce the number even further.  So, a second ablation was scheduled for 3 months after the first.  That was November 2003 and I'm doing well.

Just got my most recent stress/echo report and EF is 60% and leaky valve is stable.  I think they said I had ONE pvc -- I didn't even feel it : 0


Helpful - 0
74076 tn?1189755832
Hi zyven,

This is a tough question.  I am not sure what the difference is between over the counter fish oil and Omacaor.  It is probably a purity isshe.

Fish oils are used for a variety of different reasons. I have never recommended that someone take them.  The jury is still out on what their main benefit is.  There is data that fish oil may decrease the amount of smaller LDL particles.  There is meta analysis data to suggest that fish oil decreases sudden death and non fatal MI's.  

Omacor itself is indicated for lowering tryglcerides.  If you are trying to raise LDL and HDL, there are better options.  If your LDL is where it shoud be depending on your risk factors, a fenofibrate is probably a better choice.  If your LDL is too high, a statin is indicated first until you reach goal, then adding a fenofibrate.

I hope this answers your questions.   Thanks for posting and good luck.
Helpful - 0

You are reading content posted in the Heart Disease Forum

Popular Resources
Is a low-fat diet really that heart healthy after all? James D. Nicolantonio, PharmD, urges us to reconsider decades-long dietary guidelines.
Can depression and anxiety cause heart disease? Get the facts in this Missouri Medicine report.
Fish oil, folic acid, vitamin C. Find out if these supplements are heart-healthy or overhyped.
Learn what happens before, during and after a heart attack occurs.
What are the pros and cons of taking fish oil for heart health? Find out in this article from Missouri Medicine.
How to lower your heart attack risk.