Cholesterol Skeptics

Skepticism is healthy. If well utilized, it encourages debate that can lead to further experiments and studies, improved theories, and better treatment for us all. More importantly, it encourages us to think about everything that is presented to us as "facts" and demand proof. Otherwise, every snake-oil salesperson can sell whatever the concoction of the day is, and gullible people will let him or her get away with it.

Cholesterol Skeptics have a web site at THINCS: www.thincs.org. They state:"What we all oppose is (the belief) that animal fat and high cholesterol play a role" in "the causation of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease". They list many links of various researchers whose work supports the general thrust of their site. One of the more well-known researchers (and spokesperson for THINCS) is Dr. Uve Ravnskov who extolls the virtues of high cholesterol. Dr. Ravnskov has written a book that claims to "demolish the myths" of current cholesterol theory, some of which are:

• High cholesterol causes heart disease

• High fat foods raise cholesterol and cause heart disease

• Lowering cholesterol will lengthen your life

• Poly-unsaturated fats are good for you

A recent exchange of opinions between Dr. Ravnskov and a mainstream cardiologist took place over the pages of the Journal of Clinical Epidemiology, volume 55 (2002). It is titled "Variance and Dissent - A Hypothesis out of Date: The diet-heart idea." (p 1057). The response, and the response to the response continue through page 1074. In the following we will try to summarize some of the highlights of this discussion.

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