I'm not a medical professional, by any means.
But, for what it's worth, I recently read an article about cholesterol in a local newspaper, written by a retired veterinarian who is also somehow connected with the local hospital board. I found it interesting and here are some highlights:
He wrote about a "cholesterol myth," stating that it is, ". . . based on the lipid hypothesis created by Ancel Keys back in the 1950's. . ."
He states that doctors don't address the real cause of atherosclerosis, which he says, ". . . is the inflammatory reaction on the blood vessel lining (intima) caused by several factors as excessive blood glucose, elevated homocysteine, etc. Now the question to ask: Is it smarter to catch the horse before or after you open the barn door? It is more prudent to treat the inflammation in the blood vessel before cholesterol plaque is laid down. This can be done very economically and without dangerous drugs . . ."
He explains himself further and also states: ". . . The painfully slow to change medical profession is just now accepting that cholesterol test levels are not true indicators for heart attacks and strokes. Newer tests and more diagnostic indicators are C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, homocysteine and the VAP (Vertical Auto Profile) tests. The VAP test is a must for it tells the level of all types of cholesterol especially a very damamging one, the VLDL3 triglyceride. It is the prime indicator for progression of coronary artery disease, insulin resistance and type II diabetes. The most dangerous form of cholesterol, LDL, is subtype Lp(a) because it is the most inflammatory and thrombocitic. High levels of Lp(a) can increase the risk of heart attack up to 25X."
Now this was one of the most interesting parts of his article, to me: ". . . You hear about the dangers of the statins, which are real. Why then is it necessary for regular blood tests? To see if the statins are destroying your liver, that's why. The statins also cause muscle aches and pains; they destroy CoQ10 in all muscle cells. What is the hardest working muscle in the body? Answer: the heart muscle! Statistics show that after several years of taking statin drugs, there is a 60% increase of cardio myopathy (heart muscle failure). The cholesterol depleted the CoQ10, which is the energy source for the cells. The muscle cells, depleted of energy, have to work harder to do their job but then fail . . ."
It is a lengthy article and he expounds on several points and I'm trying to hit the most informative highlights and keep them within the context of the article.
He also says, ". . . Ask yourself, if cholesterol is so circulatory damaging, why do statistics show that 50% of heart attack/stroke victims have normal cholesterol and why do many elderly people have high cholesterol? . . ."
Throughout the article, he is evidently disgusted with the $13 billion a year "Big Pharma" ripoff, statin drugs, and mentions that a couple of times.
He says to address the high cholesterol problems you need to have a complete lipid profile done and if elevated tell your doctor you want the VAP test, which evidently can be expensive. If it is elevated sufficiently to concern your doctor, then, ". . . ask for a program to reduce cholesterol and triglycerides without statins. Here are some things to consider: a CoQ10 supplement, red rice yeast, policosanol, TMG (trimethylglycine), diet changes, vitamins B6 and B12, and exercise. All are less expensive and much less dangerous than statins . . ."
But he sums the article up with this: "I must leave you with the modern scientific knowledge that CHOLESTEROL DOES NOT CAUSE ATHEROSCLEROSIS. It is INFLAMMATION that can be controlled without lifetime expensive prescription drugs."
The ALL CAPS were his.
