More recent studies show that even people with high risk for heart disease do not benefit from statins and that statins have adverse effects that often outweigh the benefits. In fact, several studies have shown that statins actually increase the amount of plaque in the coronary arteries. A study in Atherosclerosis found a 53% increase in prevalence of coronary plaque in statin users. A 2012 study in Diabetes Care found increased coronary artery calcification in patients with advanced atherosclerosis who used statins. The Veterans Affairs Diabetes Trial also showed calcification of coronary arteries in those taking statins.
The Archives of Internal Medicine reported a 71% increase in type 2 diabetes in women taking statins. In the Womens Health Initiative, statin use was associated with increased risk of diabetes in post menopausal women. Some doctors advise against statin use for women, even those with coronary artery disease, because there have been no studies proving a benefit in mortality.
Another study found an increase in cataracts among statin users. Patients with high blood pressure didn't live any longer than people with similar conditions not taking statins.
This past February the FDA warned that cholesterol medications should include warnings that statins could cause cognitive and memory dysfunction. Other studies have indicated that higher cholesterol levels later in life improve mental function and resistance to dementia. The chances of living longer are actually better with higher cholesterol in people over 70.
Fat in and of itself does not clog an artery, but only in the presence of a number of co-factors which need to be considered individually in each patient, according to the researchers. Oxidation of fat provides 60 to 70% of the energy for the heart. In addition, the brain desperately needs fat as it's primary source of energy. The doctors point out that hypercholesterolemia-- high cholesterol-- is not even a disease. Yet, there is a powerful lobby promoting the “demon of high cholesterol”
The discussion panel agreed that pharmaceutical ads pervert the research findings in such a way that it seems foolish not to prescribe statins. Strikingly, a Consumer Reports study found that doctors get 78% of their information in medical journals from ads. Many review articles in medical journals are actually advertising written by doctors with undisclosed connections to big pharma. All but one of the physicians on the panel that wrote the guidelines for cholesterol levels had undisclosed ties to the pharmaceutical industry.
In contrast, the Multiple Risk Factor Intervention Trial showed that a cholesterol level of 330 or above in men protected them from hemorrhagic stroke versus cholesterol levels of 180 or less. Seems Dr. Upledger had it right years ago!
Does this mean you can safely load up on a high cholesterol diet without fear of developing heart disease? I doubt it. But if you are reasonably healthy, maintain a healthy diet, are a non-smoker with no history of heart disease and no metabolic or inflammatory disorders you may want to think twice before taking statins just because you have high cholesterol.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It does not provide medical advice. Cholesterol levels mentioned are generalities and should not be understood to apply to any particular individual.