Heart health. Are statins a mistake?

• His research showed that statin drugs do not change mortality rates.
• 1 in 3 people suffer side effects of statins including muscle weakness, erectile dysfunction, type 2 diabetes and memory loss.
• While side effects may not be felt immediately, they can develop with time and be experienced years later.   The older the patient is, then the more vulnerable they become.
• When fasting insulin goes down, commonly triglycerides go down.
• In his view statins should be prescribed when there is cardiovascular risk or heart disease diagnosed, not for high cholesterol alone.
• While undertaking a healthier lifestyle, side effects of taking statins can be reversed within just two weeks of stopping them.
• There are no withdrawal symptoms experienced when no longer taking statins.
• He advised, when patients are given all the evidence, he commonly sees medication reduced.
• The question was asked, ‘why do statins reduce cholesterol’.  His response was they reduce inflammation.   When inflammation is reduced, cholesterol commonly reduces.

As you’d assume, Dr Aseem is not without critics.

After the publication of an article in the British Medical Journal, ‘Saturated fat is not the major issue’ his findings were questioned by an Oxford University Professor - Sir Rory Collins.  It prompted an independent review, which found Dr Aseems findings valid.  However, the review also found that the Professors University research was financially conflicted due to payments made to his department and to the University.

Concluding comments.

• His concluding comment, ‘science is not enough.  Opposition of invested interests is what’s needed’.
• ‘Saturated fat does not clog the arteries.  Coronary heart disease is a chronic inflammatory condition, the risk of which can be effectively reduced from healthy lifestyle interventions e.g. exercise, good food, sleep and stress management’.
• People are potentially being placed on medication when they are not ill.
• Taking a pill diverts the more imperative need to take personal responsibility for an individuals’ wellbeing.
• And this quote by Dr Christiaan Barnard, Cardiac Surgeon and Dr of worlds first heart transplant,‘I’ve saved the lives of 150 people with heart transplantations.  If I had focused on preventive medicine earlier, I would have saved 150 million’

Although why wait to see a Doctor when healthier lifestyle choices can be made today?  

What to do?

1. Consult with your health practitioner and assess how healthy your lifestyle is.
2. Take positive action toward a lifestyle that promotes health and wellbeing.   Find a buddy or family member or a coach and do it together.  It’s better together.
3. Addin great foods for heart health including healthy fats and foods that are in their most natural and whole form.
4. Reduce or eliminate inflammatory foods e.g. foods that are highly processed and refined.
5. Sleep well and get to bed early so you make better choices and your body has a chance to rest and repair and manage stress.
6. Listen to your body and the quiet (or noisy) clues it’s giving you.

If his research has peaked your interest I encourage you to do your own research, ask questions and become informed about this important topic and where the money (funding) trails lead.

To transform your wellbeing and your families, from the inside out, simply and naturally contact me here https://www.katebarnes.com.au/contact/ for an initial discussion on what's right for you or let's start with a healthy aging review and assessment.  

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