Cholesterol

[KARL]

Roughly a month ago (in fact, on 13th April) I caught the end of an item in a short news bulletin on radio. It was reported that (I think) a large study done somewhere by somebody had found that, yes, by adjusting their diet people succeeded in lowering their cholesterol. However, this had no effect on the incidence of heart disease among those who took part in the study. I got the impression that it had been a long-term study.

Since hearing the bulletin I have not heard or seen this study mentioned again but would very much like to find out more about it. Can anybody point me to a source for more information ?

[TheChair]

Actually, there's very little evidence that lowering cholesterol lowers risk of heart disease.
https://jonbarron.org/heart-health/cholesterol-does-not-cause-heart-disease

[Sqad]

Karl...yes, like you, I do remember something about it, but i cannot give you any further details. There will be ABers just waiting to pounce with appropriate websites.

I must say that my feelings coincide with the Chair in that the association between blood cholesterol levels and heart attacks, initial or recurrent and life span seems to me very contentious, the for and against camps willing to forage through the internet to provide support for their opinion.

I have my own ideas.....some backed up by websites and some supported by personal communications, but I will leave it at that .

[slaney]

This dated 13th April is the study I think...
knowing how much sqad loves a good link :)


http://www.theguardian.com/society/2016/apr/13/replacing-animal-fat-in-diet-may-not-reduce-heart-risk-says-study

[Sqad]

^^^ ;-)

[KARL]

Just to put at rest everyone's concerns (if any): I have no concerns regarding myself. I am aware of the differences in opinion and that for some the link is religiously upheld in spite of, apparently, mounting doubt that a link exists. But the study I am trying to find out more about seemed distinctly interesting - it's almost as if it has been hushed up as it has vanished to such an extent, which would be odd if it was the resounding "final answer" I got the impression it was !

[slaney]

Well it was in the Guardian Karl - see above.
Here is a link to the original BMJ article - it may not work as it is behind a paywall.

http://www.bmj.com/content/353/bmj.i1246

Somehow I don't think that paper will be the final answer.

[KARL]

Brilliant, slaney, thank you - although my latter entry is timed after yours, I hadn't seen your entry when I posted it.