Heart Disease, Cholesterol Not Linked?

                Prescriptions for the cholesterol-reducing drugs statins are a waste of time, new research which claims cholesterol does not cause heart diseases in the elderly. An international team of researchers reviewed 19 previous studies, involving 68,000 people, and said they found no link between high levels of LDL cholesterol, the so-called “bad cholesterol” and heart disease in the over-60s. The study found that 92% of people over 60-years-old with high cholesterol lived as long as, or longer than those with low cholesterol levels. In the remaining 8%, no association was found.

                Statins have long been prescribed as a means of reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes caused by atherosclerosis. The team claims its research indicates high levels of cholesterol may even be beneficial in preventing other illnesses. High cholesterol binds to and inactivates a broad range of microorganisms and their toxic products. They claim that high cholesterol levels may protect against cancer. They also cite research in which rodents given cholesterol lowering drugs developed cancers.