Questions to ask your doctor

If you have been told your cholesterol is too high and your doctor wants you to start on statins (Lipitor, Crestor, etc.), ask these five questions. Ask nicely -- doctors can get a little irritated if you question them harshly.

What EVIDENCE do you have that:
(1) Cholesterol causes fatty arterial build-up?
(2) Reducing cholesterol reduces the chance of getting fatty build-up?
(3) Reducing cholesterol will significantly reduce the chances of getting a heart attack or stroke?
(4) Taking statins will not significantly increase the chances of death from other causes?
(5) I will not get the same protection from exercise and/or diet?

In my opinion, unless you get satisfactory answers to those questions, it does not make sense to take statins.

Do not accept general statements as evidence. Ask for reports of tests and respected journal articles. And then study those reports.

Marty Carbone / 1/31/07