Busting 8 Myths About Cholesterol and The Dangers of Statins
Common Misconceptions about Cholesterol, Statins, and Cardiovascular Disease
If you’ve had a physical in the last few years, your physician likely talked with you about your cholesterol levels. They probably discussed your total cholesterol numbers and how they relate to your cardiovascular disease risk. And I wouldn’t be surprised if they scared you a little.
But the truth is, there is so much misinformation surrounding cholesterol despite it being one of the most well-known compounds in our bodies. Entire diets portray cholesterol and fats as the worst foods you can eat. And it has been blamed for nearly every cardiovascular disease (CVD) case in the last two decades.
The good news is that cholesterol isn’t the enemy. It’s not wrecking your health and isn’t the cause of heart disease. If your physician recommended you start taking cholesterol-lowering medication (statins), you might reconsider after learning the truth about cholesterol.
Let’s bust 8 myths about cholesterol and highlight the dangers of statins.
What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a soft, waxy substance found in your blood that is critical for the normal functioning of our bodies. Cholesterol is a sterol (a type of lipid) primarily produced in the liver. It helps construct cell membranes, steroid hormones, vitamin D, and bile acids the body uses to digest fat. (1)
Three significant lipoproteins are often mistakenly referred to as cholesterol in the bloodstream. Lipoproteins carry cholesterol and other lipids in the bloodstream.
High-density (HDL) lipoprotein: Known as the “good cholesterol,” moves triglycerides and cholesterol back to the liver.
Low-density (LDL) lipoprotein: Known as the “bad cholesterol,” is the vehicle for triglycerides and cholesterol to your tissues and organs. There are different types of LDL; some are cardioprotective, while others increase your risk of CVD. LDL particle size and your level of oxidative stress are the best factors to determine if your LDL levels put you at risk for CVD.
Very low-density (VLDL) lipoprotein: VLDL is like LDL, but VLDL carries triglycerides to your muscles and fat cells.
Why is cholesterol so important?
Our culture has built this negative connotation around “cholesterol.” but having good cholesterol levels in the body is critical for good health. Cholesterol serves several significant roles in the body.
Cholesterol is an essential structural component of every cell membrane in our body.
Cholesterol helps to transport fat-soluble nutrients like vitamins A, D, E, and K into cells. (2)
Approximately 25% of the cholesterol in our body is found in our brain, making it vital for neurological functions and the development of memories. (3)
Cholesterol is an essential element for hormones, including progesterone, estrogen, testosterone, cortisol, and vitamin D. (4)
Cholesterol is used in the liver to create bile acids needed to break down fats.
8 Myths and Truths About Cholesterol
It’s no surprise that the misinformation about cholesterol is so abundant. So let’s separate fact from fiction and bust 8 myths about cholesterol.
Myth: All cholesterol is bad.
Truth: Cholesterol is a vital component of cell membranes; without it, we could not survive. So, although high levels of oxidized cholesterol are a risk factor for atherosclerosis, cholesterol itself is an innocent bystander that has been mishandled by modern allopathic medicine.
Myth: High cholesterol causes heart disease.
Truth: Research indicates that high cholesterol is not a risk factor for coronary heart disease.(5) Instead, cholesterol may be elevated because of something in the body, such as high triglycerides, hypothyroid, inflammation, or oxidative stress. High cholesterol alone is not the issue; only when cholesterol is oxidized does it become a risk factor.
Myth: Clogged arteries are caused by cholesterol and saturated fats.
Truth: A clogged artery contains very little cholesterol or saturated fat. Instead, clogged arteries are caused by chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, causing lipid peroxidation and an inflamed endothelium (inner lining of the arteries). Your body attempts to heal this chronic inflammation. And in turn, platelets, fibrin, and calcium adhere to the arterial wall to repair the damage leading to “clogged arteries''.
Myth: Your risk for heart disease will increase if you eat a diet high in saturated fats and cholesterol.
Truth: The current research does not find a dietary connection between a person’s risk factor for heart disease and consuming a diet high in healthy saturated fats and cholesterol. (6) Diets high in refined carbohydrates, sugar, and high fructose corn syrup are the most significant contributors to high triglyceride levels, metabolic syndrome, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). (7) Diets high in polyunsaturated seed oils and hydrogenated oils significantly contribute to inflammation and oxidative stress, increasing your risk factor for CVD.
Myth: Heart attacks are more likely to occur in people with high cholesterol.
Truth: Men aged 45 and older and women aged 55 and older with cholesterol levels over 350 are more at risk for heart attacks. But, people with other risk factors like a sedentary lifestyle, tobacco use, high blood pressure, obesity, or diabetes have a more significant risk factor no matter their cholesterol level.
Myth: Your total cholesterol level is an excellent indicator of your heart disease risk.
Truth: Your total cholesterol level, or the sum of your blood’s cholesterol count, doesn’t indicate anything about your risk for heart disease unless it is above 330. Instead, the HDL/cholesterol and triglyceride/HDL ratios are far better indicators of your heart disease risk, as well as LDL particle size and level of lipid peroxidation.
Myth: Everyone should aim for the same cholesterol targets.
Truth: Everyone is unique, and their body manages cholesterol differently. So, the recommended targets are very rough guidelines because many other factors can contribute to a “good” or “bad” cholesterol level. The whole picture should be thoroughly assessed before conclusions are drawn from this simplified diagnostic tool.
Myth: Having high cholesterol means that you are unhealthy.
Truth: Cholesterol is only one part of the overall health picture. Even if you are young, eat well, and exercise regularly, you can still have high cholesterol because other things can contribute to high cholesterol, such as genetics or other underlying health issues such as hypothyroidism.
Valuable Lab Markers for Assessing your Risk Factor for Cardiovascular Disease
Homocysteine
LDL particle size
ApoB
Fibrinogen
HgBA1c
Fasting Insulin
CRP
D-dimer
Other valuable functional lab testing depending on your unique case, may include:
Toxicity testing
Nutrient evaluation/ organic acid testing
Hormone testing
Methylation panel
Dangers of Statin Drugs
Statins are a class of medications prescribed by doctors to help lower cholesterol levels in the blood. (8) Statins work by blocking the production of a liver enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase, which is responsible for producing cholesterol.
Statins may be appropriate for some people, but most prescribed statins don’t need them. As we’ve previously established, cholesterol is necessary for the body to complete several significant functions. And as statins work to lower cholesterol, they may be causing more harm than good. One well-known consequence of using statins is the depletion of CoQ10, the rate-limiting enzyme involved in ATP (energy) production. Low CoQ10 is directly linked to cardio-metabolic disorders. (17)
Side Effects of Statin Medications (9,10)
Muscle pain and weakness
Dizziness
Low energy
Polyneuropathy – painful tingling in the hands and feet
Cognitive impairment, including brain fog and memory loss
Blood sugar issues leading to diabetes
Increased rates of allergies and asthma
Liver and kidney damage
Increased risk of cancers
Natural Ways to Decrease Your Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors
It’s time for some good news! You can decrease your risk for heart disease in several natural ways.
Acupuncture
Research has shown that acupuncture can lower blood pressure and help decrease stress leading to a reduced risk of heart disease by as much as 80%. (11)
Herbs
Herbs can help lower blood pressure, decrease LDL, improve your blood lipids, reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, and more. These herbs may help lower your risk for CVD: (12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
Ginseng
Ginkgo biloba
Cinnamon
Cardamom
Garlic
Ginger
Curcumin
Astragalus
Salvia miltiorrhiza
Danshen
Hawthorne
Guggul
Arjuna
Supplements
Research has shown that some dietary supplements may help lower cholesterol, improve blood pressure, and decrease your risk for heart disease. (13)
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Coenzyme Q10 (Co Q10)
Magnesium
Methylated Folic Acid
Vitamin E
Niacin (Vitamin B3)
Flaxseed
Nutrition
Nutrition is one of the most effective ways to decrease your risk for heart disease. Try these dietary tips to lower your risk of CVD and metabolic syndrome.
Avoid processed foods
Avoid artificial sweeteners
Eat a wide variety of organic vegetables, and fruits, beans, and reduce grains
Incorporate grass-fed meats and wild-caught fish
Eat healthy fats from cold-pressed olive oil, coconut oil, grass-fed butter, avocado, nuts and seeds, and eggs (yes, eggs! High cholesterol does not come from cholesterol in foods.)
Lifestyle Changes
Other than nutrition, lifestyle changes may make the most significant impact on your risk for heart disease. Try incorporating these lifestyle changes into your routine.
Engage in moderate exercise every day
Reduce stress and practice relaxation techniques such as meditation, breath work, tapping or Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), prayer, journaling, or chanting in your daily routine
Decrease alcohol consumption
Avoid environmental toxins
Spend time outdoors
Get sufficient sleep
Take Control of Your Cholesterol and Achieve Optimal Health
Have you been misled, misinformed, or overly medicated regarding your cardiovascular health? Are you experiencing side effects from your meds? Are you ready to take control of your heart health naturally and start making lasting changes?
At Denver Sports and Holistic Medicine, we partner with you to help you reach optimal health. There may be underlying factors contributing to your hypertension or other cardiovascular issues. When you work with us, we first uncover your underlying conditions through a thorough evaluation and laboratory testing. Then, we’ll work with you to create a holistic health plan that considers your lifestyle, nutrition, stress levels, sleep, exercise, and more!
Find your trusted partner for every step of your health journey. Request a consultation with us today.
Resources:
1. National Library of Medicine
2. National Library of Medicine
3. PubMed
4. NCBI
5. NCBI
6. Functional Medicine University
7. NCBI
8. Food and Drug Administration
10. PubMed
11. NCBI
13. NCIB
14. NCIB
15. PubMed
16. PubMed
17. NCBI