Which type of medication is known to decrease triglyceride levels but not LDL levels?

Fish oil, particularly those high in omega-3 fatty acids, is recognized for its ability to significantly reduce triglyceride levels while having a minimal impact on low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels. The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil influence lipid metabolism in a way that promotes fatty acid oxidation, thereby lowering triglyceride synthesis in the liver and increasing the clearance of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins from the bloodstream.

This makes fish oil particularly useful for patients who have hypertriglyceridemia. While it may have some modest effects on LDL levels, the primary and most notable effect of fish oil is on triglycerides, making it stand out as a specific treatment option when the goal is to reduce triglyceride levels without significantly impacting LDL cholesterol.

In contrast, other options such as statins and fibrates have different mechanisms of action. Statins primarily target LDL reduction, while fibrates are also effective at lowering triglycerides but can sometimes raise LDL in certain individuals. Antiplatelets are primarily used for preventing thrombotic events and do not have a significant impact on triglyceride levels. Therefore, fish oil correctly represents the medication class that is known for decreasing triglyceride levels without a notable effect on LDL cholesterol.