#elevated triglycerides

All patients should receive general measures (ie, address modifiable causes, manage atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease [ASCVD] risk, implement lifestyle modification [eg, dietary changes, reduction in alcohol consumption]) and optimal low-density lipoprotein lowering therapy for 4 to 12 weeks before considering triglyceride lowering therapy. For patients whose triglycerides remain ≥500 mg/dL and who do not warrant icosapent ethyl for additional ASCVD risk reduction, any prescription strength omega-3 fatty acid (including icosapent ethyl) or a fibrate (fenofibrate preferred) is reasonable.

No, Lovaza and Vascepa are not the same. They are distinct prescription omega-3 fatty acid formulations with different compositions and, importantly, different FDA-approved indications.

Lovaza (omega-3-acid ethyl esters USP) contains both EPA and DHA as ethyl esters, with approximately 465 mg of EPA and 375 mg of DHA per 1-gram capsule. [1] In contrast, Vascepa (icosapent ethyl) contains only highly purified EPA as an ethyl ester, providing 1 gram of EPA per capsule with essentially no DHA. [2-3]

The most clinically significant difference lies in their FDA-approved indications. Both are approved as adjuncts to diet for reducing triglyceride levels in adults with severe hypertriglyceridemia (≥500 mg/dL). [1-2][4] However, Vascepa has an additional cardiovascular outcomes indication based on the REDUCE-IT trial: it is approved to reduce the risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, coronary revascularization, and unstable angina in patients with elevated triglycerides (≥150 mg/dL) who are on maximally tolerated statin therapy and have either established cardiovascular disease or diabetes with additional risk factors. [2][4-5] Lovaza does not have this cardiovascular risk reduction indication. [1]

Their lipid effects also differ. While both lower triglycerides substantially, Lovaza increases LDL-C by approximately 45% in patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia, whereas Vascepa decreases LDL-C by approximately 6.5%. [2] This distinction may be clinically relevant when selecting therapy for patients with mixed dyslipidemia.

We know sugar is bad for us and it is often the first thing we try to restrict when we become health conscious. Those with a strong sweet tooth often turn to diet soda as a healthy alternative. There’s no sugar in it, and it has no calories. It is not uncommon to see someone order a BigMac, large fries and a diet soda. If I had banged my head against the wall every time I saw that happening, I’d probably be dead. They probably believe they are losing weight by replacing sugary soda with a calorie free version. Well, not exactly. In this article I will answer the question “is diet soda bad for you” and find out whether it causes weight loss, weight gain, or neither.

Is diet soda bad for you?

To give you a short answer, then according to the research diet soda is bad for you. It may even be worse than regular, sugared soda. Why? I don’t know. Maybe it’s the artificial sweeteners or some other additive, or perhaps it’s got something to do with the insulin response generated when sweetness hits the tongue. Maybe people tend to consume unhealthy food with their diet sodas, possibly because they think they can compensate for the calories they’re “saving” by not drinking regular soda. Whatever the actual mechanism, there is a clear association between diet soda consumption and several serious diseases.

Diet Soda, Metabolic Syndrome and type II diabetes