IS CHOLESTEROL THE REAL ENEMY?

[rbrwn310]

I have found out that cholesterol is really not the enemy. The real enemy is hydrogenated oils and high fructose corn syrup.The drug industry advertises cholesterol lowering drugs on TV all the time with a disclaimer that the drug will not cure or prevent heart disease. Obviously the drug industry is aware that cholesterol is really not the culprit but continues to market useless drugs and to scare the public into thinking they should target cholesterol. The drugs also affect liver function which is where the source of cholesterol  regulation takes place in the body further overburdening the already overworked liver with more toxic chemicals from the drugs. Why does the medical industry zero in on cholesterol when other culprits are the problem. Why is heart disease still the biggest killer after all these years and all this research.? Why does the medical industry still harp on cholesterol as the cause of heart disease?


This discussion is related to High Choleserol/low triglycerides.

[rbrwn310]

There are controlled tests done by medical labs indicating that deaths occur more with those with lower cholesterol than with higher cholesterol indicating this cholesterol scare is a myth and a big scam to make drug companies bottom lines even bigger. I have the results that were posted in medical journals for those that think I do not know what I am talking about. Those journals go to your doctors that stack them in a corner and never read them.

[erijon]

Thanks ed, I'll look it up.............

[ed34]

"ed, anything on that 75% yet, would really like to have that info to help me understand"

The latest evidence is a new study in the American Heart Journal published in January, 2009.   This new study tested the cholesterol of heart attack patients admitted to 500 hospitals. The disturbing new findings reveal:
75% of those patients had LDL-cholesterol levels below the current guidelines of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) of 130 milligrams.
· 50% had LDL-cholesterol levels below 100 milligrams.
· 17% had LDL-cholesterol levels below 70 milligrams, which is the new, more stringent guidelines.
How Much Lower Must We Go Before Admitting  There Is No
Correlation Between Lowering Cholesterol And Heart Attack Risk?
One would think the overwhelming evidence that lowering cholesterol levels fails to prevent heart disease would be sufficient for a new focus. One would also think a scientist would be willing to re-examine a theory when the evidence against that theory is decidedly inaccurate.

Instead, the response from the American Heart Association sponsored researchers is to lower acceptable cholesterol levels even more resulting in countless people beginning statin medications unnecessarily.
This demonstrates once again the powerful success marketers of cholesterol-lowering medications have achieved. Their influence upon Physicians, government agencies and professional bodies leaves no one daring to question the cholesterol theory without fearing ridicule and risking professional suicide.

I am left with the utmost sadness their influence leaves intelligent and caring Physicians no longer giving needed thought to what really causes heart disease or how to prevent it. Instead, they have become convinced that cholesterol-lowering drugs are the answer despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary.

Let’s use this study to our best advantage by stimulating an open-mindedness with questions and dialog about the cholesterol theory. Let’s get to the real cause and get serious about preventing unnecessary disease and death. Let’s re-examine the validity of the old science and examine the overwhelming evidence in today’s science. The latter provides the answer.

Dwight Lundell, M.D.


this is just one report of so many. It is interesting reading those study reports of which there are many also, but they all show the same thing, there is no link between cholesterol levels and heart attacks.

[erijon]

The discussion was never directed at statins, it was whether lowering one's cholesterol had and effect on the end results of CAD/Cardiac events. These studies all show that lower cholesterol levels result in fewer cardiac events, that was the point. Also, I did not mean to imply that you told me directly, but the text of your post was directed at statin use overall, and I understand that is your opinion and I respect that.

Where I take issue is your comments below;

"They are huge moneymakers for the drug industry and profitable for the doctors who prescribe them."

"All those quoted studies were funded by the drug industry and run by the doctors who are too closely involved with their use."

These statements are clearly intended to discredit the medical profession and all of us "saps" that were talked into taking cholesterol lowering drugs. Think about this in reverse, if individuals with low cholesterol levels let their levels increase to say       300 TC, would more of them have a cardiac event? Of course they would.

Also, concerning the CRP, I do get that checked when my lipids are done if I am not in a current RA flare, it is a common practice. If my sed rate is under 4 I'm good for a CRP test.

Jon

[kenkeith]

I have very little information on cholesterol...mine could n't be better with medication, and CAD may be regressing as my tolerance for exertion has increased.  But my reasoning on the subject of meds, diet, exercise, etc. can be said, is it better to assume I or anyone will come to harm if not on the recommended protocol for CAD for which there is no proof, or will there be harm if one doesn't abide with the cholesterol lowering protocol for which there is proof...it is reasonable to stay with meds, etc., and good luck to naysayers.

[Opie1937]

Jon,

I am glad that you are able to take Statins and your cholesterol level is controlled.  There is no use in your requesting a CRP test on your blood, because your RA will always show a high inflammation.  I cannot take any statin.  They attack my muscles and liver.  That is why the doctor will run a CPK blood test on you every six months.

The CPPT that you quoted used Colestramine not statins
The Helsinki Heart Study was 11/12/1987 in the New England Journal of Medicine but a follow up on failures and problems  1/14/1993 same source.
The Coronary Drug Project used Niacin, Hormones and Aspirin not statins.

I reread my original message and I did not tell you to quit taking your statin.  You should not heed any advice that you read on these blogs.  Only what your physician tells you to do.  (There is a disclaimer on the home page of this website)

I have about as much chance of uncovering the convoluted funding of any medical study as I do of finding out how Barack Obama paid for his Ivy League education.