Got Statins?

http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/12/health/ch ... index.html

Oh hot diggity ---- the American Heart Association has broadened the pool of individuals that "need" to be taking statins. Sorry - but my opinion is that this message has been brought to you by Pfizer - proud maker of Lipitor. (America's best seeing prescription - with $140 BILLION worth of sales since it was introduced).

I understand the need for BP meds (truthfully - my headache understands) ---- but I've yet to buy into the marketing and rhetoric behind cholesterol management meds. I do not see a wealth of compelling evidence to show that:
- Cholesterol causes heart disease
- statins lower the incidence of heart disease

I'm schooled in statistics - and this is one area where I think ideology has trumped science.

There's modest evidence - but hardly compelling evidence that heart disease and cholesterol are tied together. (people with heart disease usually have elevated cholesterol - but not everyone with elevated cholesterol have heart disease).

Frankly - I think researchers need a refresher in the area of set theory.

I've stopped taking my lipitor for the past couple months. My cholesterol issues are genetic. I'm 45 and under 180 lbs. My diet and lifestyle are fairly healthy although I do like sweets. I have only had issues with high triglycerides lately.
I think I need a bit more daily excercise, that's all.

To clarify - research suggests that statins have benefit for people with confirmed heart disease
( or significant risk factors).

High cholesterol in and of itself is not adequate reason for prescribing statins.

In fact, NIH has found that statins are over-prescribed - specifically as it pertains to persons with low/no appreciable risk.

Yet - the minute the lab reports my cholesterol level - the physician is getting out the script pad.

The pharmaceutical companies making bucks - keep saying it whether it is true or not.

I love Jameson and fried chicken. I also smoke. Doin good right now, will have to be careful as I get a lot older though. Oh yea, and pharmaceutical companies are devils in sheeps clothing, jus sayin.

bailey bud wrote: To clarify - research suggests that statins have benefit for people with confirmed heart disease
( or significant risk factors).

High cholesterol in and of itself is not adequate reason for prescribing statins.

In fact, NIH has found that statins are over-prescribed - specifically as it pertains to persons with low/no appreciable risk.

Yet - the minute the lab reports my cholesterol level - the physician is getting out the script pad.

Money Sir, money.

Making money?

Now that statins are generic, you can get a 90 day supply for about $10 (see Costco for Simvastatin or others).

They are much cheaper than many fad vitamins now.