Why Cholesterol May Not Be the Cause Of Heart Disease

[kristopher]

Why Cholesterol May Not Be the Cause Of Heart Disease
Mark Hyman MD, Ultrawellness, Living News

We have all been led to believe that cholesterol is bad and that lowering it is good. Because of extensive pharmaceutical marketing to both doctors and patients we think that using statin drugs is proven to work to lower the risk of heart attacks and death.

But on what scientific evidence is this based, what does that evidence really show?

Roger Williams once said something that is very applicable to how we commonly view the benefits of statins. "There are liars, damn liars, and statisticians."

We see prominent ads on television and in medical journals -- things like 36% reduction in risk of having a heart attack. But we don't look at the fine print. What does that REALLY mean and how does it affect decisions about who should really be using these drugs.

Before I explain that, here are some thought provoking findings to ponder.

• If you lower bad cholesterol (LDL) but have a low HDL (good cholesterol) there is no benefit to statins. (i)

• If you lower bad cholesterol (LDL) but don't reduce inflammation (marked by a test called C-reactive protein), there is no benefit to statins. (ii)

• If you are a healthy woman with high cholesterol, there is no proof that taking statins reduces your risk of heart attack or death. (iii)

• If you are a man or a woman over 69 years old with high cholesterol, there is no proof that taking statins reduces your risk of heart attack or death. (iv)

• Aggressive cholesterol treatment with two medications (Zocor and Zetia) lowered cholesterol much more than one drug alone, but led to more plaque build up in the arties and no fewer heart attacks. (v)

• 75% of people who have heart attacks have normal cholesterol

• Older patients with lower cholesterol have higher risks of death than those with higher cholesterol. (vi)

• Countries with higher average cholesterol than Americans such as the Swiss or Spanish have less heart disease.

• Recent evidence shows that it is likely statins' ability to lower inflammation it what accounts for the benefits of statins, not their ability to lower cholesterol.

So for whom do the statin drugs work for anyway? They work for people who have already had heart attacks to prevent more heart attacks or death. And they work slightly for middle-aged men who have many risk factors for heart disease like high blood pressure, obesity, or diabetes.

So why did the 2004 National Cholesterol Education Program guidelines expand the previous guidelines to recommend that more people take statins (from 13 million to 40 million) and that people who don't have heart disease should take them to prevent heart disease. Could it have been that 8 of the 9 experts on the panel who developed these guidelines had financial ties to the drug industry? Thirty-four other non-industry affiliated experts sent a petition to protest the recommendations to the National Institutes of Health saying the evidence was weak. It was like having a fox guard the chicken coop.

It's all in the spin. The spin of the statistics and numbers. And it's easy to...


Read more at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-mark-hyman/why-cholesterol-may-not-b_b_290687.html

[HysteryDiagnosis]

1. In Europe, what you will be given after your first heart attack is

1000 mg of omega threes/day.

>>Recent evidence shows that it is likely statins' ability to lower inflammation<<


http://www.jacn.org/cgi/content/full/21/6/495
ABSTRACT
TOP
ABSTRACT
Introduction
Omega-6 and Omega-3 Fatty...
Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Interleukin...
Other Inflammatory Markers,...
Fatty Acids, Cytokines, and...
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Asthma
Psoriasis
Conclusions
REFERENCES

Among the fatty acids, it is the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) which possess the most potent immunomodulatory activities, and among the omega-3 PUFA, those from fish oil—eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)—are more biologically potent than {alpha}-linolenic acid (ALA). Some of the effects of omega-3 PUFA are brought about by modulation of the amount and types of eicosanoids made, and other effects are elicited by eicosanoid-independent mechanisms, including actions upon intracellular signaling pathways, transcription factor activity and gene expression. Animal experiments and clinical intervention studies indicate that omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties and, therefore, might be useful in the management of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

Coronary heart disease, major depression, aging and cancer are characterized by an increased level of interleukin 1 (IL-1), a proinflammatory cytokine. Similarly, arthritis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and lupus erythematosis are autoimmune diseases characterized by a high level of IL-1 and the proinflammatory leukotriene LTB4 produced by omega-6 fatty acids. There have been a number of clinical trials assessing the benefits of dietary supplementation with fish oils in several inflammatory and autoimmune diseases in humans, including rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, psoriasis, lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis and migraine headaches. Many of the placebo-controlled trials of fish oil in chronic inflammatory diseases reveal significant benefit, including decreased disease activity and a lowered use of anti-inflammatory drugs.

Key words: inflammation, cardiovascular disease and major depression autoimmune diseases, IL-1, IL-6, TNF, background diet, omega-6/omega-3 ratio

Key teaching points:

• In Western diets, omega-6 fatty acids are the predominant polyunsaturated fats. The omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids are metabolically distinct and have opposing physiologic functions.

• Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is released to compete with arachidonic acid (AA) for enzymatic metabolism inducing the production of less inflammatory and chemotactic derivatives.

• Animal and human studies support the hypothesis that omega-3 PUFA suppress cell mediated immune responses.

• In experimental animals and humans, serum PUFA levels predict the response of proinflammatory cytokines to psychologic stress. Imbalance in the omega-6/omega-3 PUFA ratio in major depression may be related to the increased production of proinflammatory cytokines and eicosanoids in that illness.

• The increased omega-6/omega-3 ratio in Western diets most likely contributes to an increased incidence of cardiovascular disease and inflammatory disorders.

• Patients with autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and asthma, usually respond to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation by decreasing the elevated levels of cytokines.

[truedelphi]

3. Black walnut decoctions can be very helpful for

Unclogging the arteries.

They are high in the Omega 3 and 6.

On edit: From an article fof the web -They contain essential Omega-3 and Omega 6 fatty acids that are extremely beneficial for your health, particularly the heart. Having a handful of walnuts everyday can promote heart health and reduce the chances of heart attack and stroke. This is the simplest way to protect your heart. Studies have shown that eating walnuts can lower high cholesterol levels, thus ensuring a healthy heart.

The best part of all this for me is that in my neck of the woods they are free for the taking.

[juno jones]

9. Roasted Walnut Oil is very versatile and delicious-

The stuff is great, especially in a simple salad dressing made along with Balsamic vinegar and a good mustard (the local dented can place had walnut mustard for awhile and that worked great!). From time to time I happen upon a bottle of La Tourangelle from Woodland, CA. California has got some good walnuts. :)

I also find that a dollop of flax oil is great on things I often put butter in like oatmeal or French toast. Salads as well.

[truedelphi]

11. It is black walnut harvest time right now where I live

Lake County CA.

So since I already have my year's worth of decoctions, I will definitely try outyour salad dressing ideas. Thank you.

[juno jones]

15. Lake Co!

The one with the lake!...and some interesting history.

Been past there, driving 35 MPH around that confounded HUGE lake!

I'd always stop at the farms stands, tho, some of the best fruit I had in CA was in that county. :)

[juno jones]

16. PS:

It might be good as a light pasta sauce with parmesean and butter or the oil part of a pesto...see...you've got my cooking instincts in overdrive...hmmmmm.

Slightly OT, but still omega-3 related, my chef and I got together last night and did a cioppino/paella hybrid featuring odd fish filets and shrimp we had about in our frezers. I had gotten a salmon from a neighbor who fishes and I used all of it- filets grilled, caviar cured and bones and scraps turned into fume (so julia child) and the fume became the base for the meal.

[pscot]

2. This is rank heresy

It's the soft cushions for you, buddy.

[canoeist52]

4. When they started touting statins for children

I knew for sure it was a scam.

[truedelphi]

5. Some time ago, on a similar topic, DU'ers were talking

About the health repurcussians to parents and others in their families. People were ending up with ALS type illnesses, which had started up after the patient was put on statins.

Statins are soemthing I would truly avoid.

[HysteryDiagnosis]

8. Many of the elderly have developed memory issues due to lowered

cholesterol levels. Cholesterol is a necessary molecule... it don't exist for nuthin and your liver doesn't make it because it is bored.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41YGYMMNS8L._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA240_SH20_OU01_.jpg

http://www.amazon.com/Cholesterol-Myths-Exposing-Fallacy-Saturated/dp/0967089719/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1253492419&sr=8-1

Review
...he is not a lone voice in the wilderness and he deserves to be taken seriously. -- Michael Gurr, PhD--Renowned Lipid Chemist

Dr. Ravnskov has done a magnificent service. . . must reading for all interested persons, nutritionists and physicians. -- Ray H. Rosenman, MD--Former Director of Cardiovascular Research, SRI

Dr. Ravnskov's measured and clear-eyed analysis actually serves as a sledgehammer that breaks down barriers to healthy, sensible eating. -- Sally Fallon, author of Nourishing Traditions --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Would you buy a book that was literally set on fire by its critics on a television show about it in Finland? I would and so should you. The long-awaited English version of debunker extroidinaire Dr. Uffe Ravnskov's notorious book is now available from New Trends Publishing.

Ravnskov, a medical doctor with a PhD in Chemistry, has had over 40 papers and letters published in peer-reviewed journals criticizing what Dr. George Mann, formerly of Vanderbuilt University, once called "the greatest scam in the history of medicine": the Lipid Hypothesis of heart disease, the belief that dietary saturated fats and cholesterol clog arteries and cause atherosclerosis and heart disease.

If one thing comes through as you read the book, it is this: Ravnskov has done his homework. In painstaking detail, he critically analyzes and demolishes the nine main myths of the Lipid Hypothesis: (1) High-fat foods cause heart disease, (2) High cholesterol causes heart disease, (3) High fat foods raise blood cholesterol, (4) Cholesterol blocks arteries, (5) Animal studies prove the diet-heart idea, (6) Lowering your cholesterol will lengthen your life, (7) Polyunsaturated oils are good for you, (8) The cholesterol campaign is based on good science, and (9) All scientists support the diet-heart idea.

Equipped with a razor-sharp mind, an impressive command of the literature, and a deadly, needling sarcasm, Ravnskov methodically slaughters the most famous Sacred Cow of modern medicine and the most profitable Cash Cow for assorted pharmaceutical companies. Sparing no one, Ravnskov again and again presents the tenets of the Lipid Hypothesis and the studies which supposedly prove them, and shows how the studies are flawed or based on manipulated statistics that actually prove nothing. Ravnskov then answers the objections or rationalizations offered by diet-heart supporters, desperate to explain away inconsistencies and contradictions in their own data.

For example, Ravnskov opens with an analysis of the study that kicked off the Lipid Hypothesis in the 1950s: Ancel Keys' Six Countries Study (and later, the more famous Seven Countries Study). As most health professionals know, Keys' study showed that countries with the highest animal fat intake have the highest rates of heart disease. Keys' conclusion was that there was a cause and effect relationship because the country with the lowest animal fat intake (at that time, Japan) had the lowest rates of heart disease. Sounds convincing, right? Not so, says Dr. Ravnskov. And in a few pages the reader is informed how Keys hand-picked the countries he included in his studies, namely, the ones that supported his hypothesis, and conveniently ignored all of the other countries that didn't.

And this is just the beginning!

Ravnskov approaches true brilliance in his review of the studies that supposedly showed benefit from the current wonder-drugs pushed by the pharmaceutical industry: the statins. Hailed as miracle substances that "significantly reduce cholesterol and incidence of heart attacks," Ravnskov shows that these substances are probable carcinogens (women on the drugs had a much higher incidence of breast cancer) and that the overall statistical reduction of heart disease in the drug trials is negligible. Nevertheless, despite the dismal results of the very first trial (the EXCEL Trial which Ravnskov soberingly describes to the reader), the industry and its well-funded doctors urge their use, even in people who do not have heart disease.

[truedelphi]

10. What a great book. Thank you for spelling out the details. n/t

[kristopher]

12. $994.98 for the USED book?

I just went to your link. Do you suppose that price is discouraging readers from buying the book?

[HysteryDiagnosis]

13. It's probably $9.94, someone should report this typo to Amazon....

Here is what it costs in the U.K.

18.05 pounds.... around 38 dollars... and if you want some of his stuff for free.... go here: http://www.ravnskov.nu/cholesterol.htm

Three short forwards from his site:


Foreword
by
Kilmer S. McCully, MD
Chief, Pathology & Laboratory Medicine,
Veterans Affairs, Medical Center, VA Boston Healthcare System

In this brilliant new synthesis of the true cause of heart disease, independent investigator Dr. Uffe Ravnskov explains how dangerous plaques in the arteries are created by microbial infections, the lipoprotein immune system, and multiple risk factors such as smoking, hypertension, stress, diabetes, kidney failure and elevated blood homocysteine levels. Written with incisive, comprehensive, and devastating logic, Ravnskov systematically demolishes the cholesterol myth by a detailed analysis of the results of research by investigators world-wide. This analysis explains the fallacies of the cholesterol hypothesis and why pharmaceutical companies and the food industry have profited handsomely from this outmoded and disproved theory. The reader of this clearly written and important book will be able to use this new understanding of the real cause of heart disease for successful treatment and prevention.

Kilmer S. McCully

Foreword
by
Joel M. Kauffman, PhD
Professor of Chemistry Emeritus, University of the Sciences in Philadelphia
Independent medical writer

Uffe Ravnskov has been the most persistent and effective voice informing the public about diet dogma for the past 20 years. His very readable earlier book, The Cholesterol Myths may never have been a best seller, even at $20, but used copies have recently sold for $200-300. Dr.Ravnskov has also informed the medical and nutritional professions about the lack of evidence for their half-century condemnations of eating saturated fat and cholesterol by publishing reviews, papers and letters in major journals such as the Journal of the American Medical Association, the British Medical Journal, the Quarterly Journal of Medicine, The Lancet, Annals of Internal Medicine, Nutrition and Metabolism and others. He also founded The International Network of Cholesterol Skeptics (www.thincs.org) which now has 80 highly qualified official members.
Dr. Ravnskov is a living example of an ideal physician and medical scientist — one who is utterly honest. He relies on original sources, interprets them accurately, and does not stray from actual evidence in trials and studies. You can trust this book to learn the causes and noncauses of cardiovascular disease.

Joel M. Kauffman


Foreword
by
Paul Rosch, MD, FACP
Clinical Professor of Medicine and Psychiatry,
New York Medical College
President, The American Institute of Stress
Honorary Vice President, International Stress Management Association

Numerous influences have been linked to increased risk for coronary disease, including a deep earlobe crease, premature vertex baldness and living in Eastern Finland or Glasgow. The most egregious factoid is the erroneous belief that heart attacks result from an elevated blood cholesterol that is due primarily to increased fat consumption. This myth has been perpetrated and perpetuated by the cholesterol cartel of low fat food and lipid lowering drug manufacturers, as well as prestigious organizations and physicians that are the recipients of their largesse. However, if you repeat a lie often enough and long enough,people will believe it and it eventually becomes the truth. As Ravnskov convincingly demonstrates, no scientific studies support the cardioprotective benefits of lowering cholesterol and saturated fat intake, and those that purportedly demonstrate such rewards are seriously flawed.Such efforts are not only ineffective, but are also harmful, especially in the elderly. Association never proves causation and more plausible contributors to coronary disease are discussed, including an exciting new theory that posits an infectious etiology.

Paul Rosch



Best Answer - Chosen by Asker
What kind of dollars?

£17.95 = $37.07 US Dollars
£17.95 = $41.72 Australian Dollars
£17.95 = $48.70 New Zealand Dollars
£17.95 = $36.36 Canadian Dollars
£17.95 = $288.57 Hong Kong Dollars
£17.95 = $53.61 Singapore Dollars
Source(s):
http://www.xe.com/ucc/

[kristopher]

14. Yes, I'm sure it is.

My post was actually meant to be some light food for the tin foil hat brigade.

For my part, I'll probably look for it at the library. Thanks.

[keep_it_real]

6. K&R

[lildreamer316]

7. Sounds like we need to be paying more attention to inflammation.

There's a lot of info out there about that...

[sspeilbergfan90]

17. Good read