title: Cholesterol confusion and statin controversy.
abstract: The role of blood cholesterol levels in coronary heart disease (CHD) and the true effect of cholesterol-lowering statin drugs are debatable. In particular, whether statins actually decrease cardiac mortality and increase life expectancy is controversial. Concurrently, the Mediterranean diet model has been shown to prolong life and reduce the risk of diabetes, cancer, and CHD. We herein review current data related to both statins and the Mediterranean diet. We conclude that the expectation that CHD could be prevented or eliminated by simply reducing cholesterol appears unfounded. On the contrary, we should acknowledge the inconsistencies of the cholesterol theory and recognize the proven benefits of a healthy lifestyle incorporating a Mediterranean diet to prevent CHD.
authors.affiliation: Robert DuBroff, Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, MSC 10-5550, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, United States.
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: DuBroff
authors.affiliation: Robert DuBroff, Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, MSC 10-5550, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, United States.
authors.forename: Michel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: de Lorgeril
keywords: Cardiovascular disease; Cholesterol; Coronary heart disease; Mediterranean diet; Mortality; Statins