[neverdem]

There is plenty wrong with Statins. First off, there is no data published that shows a decrease in heart disease by artificially lowering cholesterol with statins.

It may not be just lowering cholesterol. Statins are also suspected of having an anti-inflammatory efect. I'm not crazy about the LDL and total cholesterol hypothesis, but for cardiovascular as well as cerebrovascular morbidity and mortality, the better numbers are found with those taking statins. They are not for everybody. IIRC, 3% get serious liver toxicity, and 1% get serious muscle pathology.

Long-term benefit of statin therapy initiated during hospitalization for an acute coronary syndrome: a systematic review of randomized trials.

CONCLUSIONS: The benefit of early initiation of statin therapy during acute coronary syndromes slowly accrues over time so that a survival advantage is seen around 24 months. Relatively few patients need to be treated to prevent one death over this time period. Furthermore, this approach significantly reduces unstable angina and the need for revascularization.

Enter CAD and statins, mortality into the query box at PubMed. CAD means coronary artey disease. I'd start with review articles.

[djf]

And in the interest of fairness and full disclosure, I have seen some promising studies on statins having a significant role in preventing second heart attacks.

Bottom line is still diet and exercise and make sure you chose the right parents!

[Conservativegreatgrandma]

1% get serious muscle pathology.

I suspect the number is much higher.