8 of 9 experts recommending cholesterol levels are paid by the drug companies

[sheffwed69]

Firstly, I said I was a pharmacologist, not a pharmacist - have been trained to evaluate the merits of research and I'm not involved in the sale of drugs.

You said "I would notice, if I were you, who sponsors all the studies which you no doubt take your 'info' from."

I do just this which is the point I am making. I don't think you are aware of the conflict of interest protection that comes with any peer reviewed publication. I will refer to the references you've pointed out but...

[sheffwed69]

While I do not condone censorship I say that it was irresponsible for this video to have been uploaded because people who do not have the intelligence or expertise to critically analyse this video, and subsequently are not compliant with their physician's recommendation for treatment with statins, will increase their risk of CVD. I believe strongly in statins and I have no ties whatsoever to ANY drug company.

[moresignup]

Dear me, you need to read 'The Great Cholesterol Con' by Dr Kendrick (or the one by Mr Colpo). Your LDL level - one sub-type of lipoprotein - has a tenuous relationship with your blood chol. level; and, the relationship between chol. and heart disease is now heavily disputed (not as simple as 'cholesterol plaques up arteries, I'm afraid'). Also there is NO relationship between familial hyperchol. and heart disease (see vid 2 by glynwainwright). Question your own intelligence and expertise first.

[sheffwed69]

I'm well aware that LDL is one of many lipo-proteins but it's also one of the most prominent in relation to atheroma formation, which is why I made reference to it.

You make a number of bold statements and refer me to YTvids and a book by a Dr who has published very little in peer-reviewed journals -anyone can publish a book as long as they find a publisher who thinks it will be profitable.You want provide a credible response, then refer me to peer-reviewed publications. PM me if necessary.

[moresignup]

I would notice, if I were you, who sponsors all the studies which you no doubt take your 'info' from. The reviews and peer-reviewed studies are all out there and are heavily referred to in the above books. Being a pharmacist you have no doubt felt the financial pressure of drug companies in peddling their propaganda. Why not watch pts 1-5 (Dr Kendrick presenting to the BMA) by the YTer above. Half an hour of your life, might save the rest of it. And look up Uffe Ravnskov. Just a thought.

[moresignup]

I want to add, I apologise if my tone is off - this topic does make me cross due to the amount of misinformation out there. I know statins do have some benefits (unrelated to cholesterol-lowering, which i. they don't do and ii. has no practical effect in HD prevention) - but for many, including those very close to me, the benefits do not outweigh the costs; also, because of the confusion about the exact mech. of statins they are epidemically misprescribed. Google: Stopped Our Statins. Regards

[moresignup]

I found an article which summarises what I was trying to say quite neatly, if you google: Gary Taubes what's cholesterol got to do with it - it leads to an NY Times article which is quite balanced on the topic. All the best with whichever therapy you choose, it's never a light decision, I am very aware of that. Kind regards.

[sheffwed69]

I suggest you also read up on the insignificance of research unless it is published in peer-reviewed journals.

Like I said...anyone can write a book and have it published...

[sheffwed69]

Lastly, I did watch Kendrick YT vids.

To name just a few, I suggest you read the follow (full) articles if you can:

Perreault et al., Impact of better adherence to statin agents in the primary prevention of coronary artery disease. 2009

Fabbri & Maggioni, Cardiovascular risk reduction: What do recent trials with rosuvastatin tell us? 2009

Catapano, Perspectives on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol goal achievement. 2009.

...so yes, there is indepenedent (peer-reviewed) science

[sheffwed69]

In addition, there is overwhelming evidence in the scientific literature of the efficacy of statins in lowering cholesterol. Having familial hypercholesterolaemia I have seen first hand a major drop in my LDL levels following no other changes to my lifestyle other than the daily use of rosuvastatin (10 mg/d).

[sheffwed69]

I think its quite irresponsible for you to have posted this video. As a pharmacologist I have the expertise to dismiss Dr Hayward's statement. For one thing, this view was expressed in businessweek, not a peer reviewed medical/science journal. Furthermore, in countries where all drugs are the same (low) price, patients are still prescribed statins for lowering cholesterol.