Tips to Lower Triglycerides and LDL Cholesterol

Medications Can Lower LDL and Triglycerides

There are options out there for people who can't control cholesterol with diet and exercise alone. Medications, such statins, can lower both LDL and triglycerides. High doses of Crestor and Lipitor have been found to lower very high LDL (190 mg/dl or above) by 50 percent, according to a 2006 drug class review on statins by the Oregon Health & Science University.

All medications should be prescribed and monitored by a doctor.

Common statins include:

• Crestor (Rosuvastatin)
• Lipitor (Atorvastatin)
• Mevacor (Lovastatin)
• Zocor (Simvastatin)

Other medications that lower both LDL and triglycerides:

• Advicor - statin and niacin combo
• Vytorin statin and Zetia combo
• Prescription-strength niacin

Other medications prescribed to lower LDL:

• Bile acid sequestrants
• Zetia

Other medications prescribed to lower triglycerides:

• Prescription-strength fish oil pills

Medications that have been found to increase triglycerides:

• Birth-control pills
• Diurectics
• Steroids
• Tamoxifen, breast cancer drug

See more on lifesaving meds.