Cholesterol: The 'Star' Drug and Why Healthy Diets Aren't Always Enough, According to a Doctor

Cardiologist Jorge Tartaglione described statins as the "star" medication for managing cholesterol, explaining that they work by inhibiting an enzyme responsible for cholesterol production. He emphasized that this class of drugs significantly reduces the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and dementia.

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They hunt an enzyme, they crush it, and not so much cholesterol is produced.

While acknowledging the importance of physical activity and a healthy diet in controlling cholesterol levels, Tartaglione stressed that these lifestyle measures are often not enough. "About 30% comes from the diet, and many people produce it genetically in the liver," he noted, pointing out that even vegetarian individuals can have high cholesterol due to genetic factors.

The specialist expressed concern over the widespread circulation of medical misinformation, estimating that nearly half of all health-related news online is false. "It is very worrying the large amount of fake news circulating. Practically 50% of medical news is false. There is no doubt that cholesterol medications are good and save lives," he stated.

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About 30% comes from the diet, and many people produce it genetically in the liver.

Tartaglione lamented that online platforms are rife with misleading claims about statins, such as causing leg pain or being fatal. He found it particularly troubling that some of this misinformation originates from medical professionals. "You go online and they say that if you take statins, they will kill you, your leg will hurt. This creates a lot of doubt. I worry that many of these posts are from doctors. Why do they do it?" he questioned.

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It is very worrying the large amount of fake news circulating. Practically 50% of medical news is false. There is no doubt that cholesterol medications are good and save lives.

Regarding cholesterol levels, Tartaglione mentioned that specialists recommend specific LDL values to prevent heart conditions. He also clarified that, like all medications, statins can have side effects, noting that muscle pain occurs in about 1% of cases. The article also includes recommendations for cholesterol-lowering foods rich in fiber, such as whole grains, leafy greens, legumes, nuts, and fruits, and cites a national survey indicating that nearly 40% of Argentines over 18 have elevated total cholesterol.

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You go online and they say that if you take statins, they will kill you, your leg will hurt. This creates a lot of doubt. I worry that many of these posts are from doctors. Why do they do it?