Last October the ABC’s ‘Catalyst’ progam presented a two- part special on cholesterol. It was fantastic to see such a reputable program present the other side of the cholesterol story – that there might just be something wrong with the theory that dietary fat and cholesterol are the villains in heart disease.
Following the broadcast of Catalyst’s two-part special on cholesterol and statins there has been a flurry of irate Australian doctors and other professionals discrediting the program and its presenter Maryanne Demasi.
My goal is to be drug free when I die. But I probably won’t be – not if my doctor or pharmacist has anything to do with it.
The Sunday Age reported that sixty commonly prescribed drugs will now be cheaper for patients and that those who take simvastatin to help lower cholesterol will save almost $15 on the drug.
This week The Age reported that cholesterol – lowering drugs increase the risk of diabetes and memory impairment. This is really bad news for around two million Australians who take these medications believing they’ll lower their heart attack risk. While the report is concerning, it is also comforting to know that there is now too much evidence for health authorities to ignore the side effects of statins.
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