Abstract: The incidence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is gradually increasing, and is showing a younger trend. Dyslipidemia is an important risk factor for the occurrence and progression of atherosclerosis. Among them, elevated triglyceride level is an independent risk factor for increased risk of ischemic cardiovascular events. Previous triglyceride lowering drugs:fibrates, niacin and mixed omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids have no clear effect on reducing ischemic cardiovascular events. Recent studies have found that icosapent ethyl could reduce triglyceride levels and also it could reduce the incidence of ischemic cardiovascular events through mechanisms such as delaying plaque progression, reducing low-attenuation plaque volume and stabilizing plaque morphology. Currently completed animal experiments and clinical trials have proved its effectiveness, safety and good tolerability. This article mainly reviews the new progress of icosapent ethyl in reducing ischemic cardiovascular events.