Careless headlines like these normalise prescription drug taking. Saying that children should be put on statins to reduce their chance of stroke later in life is dangerous and irresponsible to the highest degree. Many people who develop heart disease and stroke have normal cholesterol levels.
When I present health talks to groups and organisations one of the questions I get people to think about is this; Are you healthier when your medicine cabinet is full or when it’s empty? I also tell them that Heart Disease is Ireland’s number one killer; so what is the answer if pill popping isn’t?
Pill popping doesn’t replace a healthy lifestyle and diet.
Not so well documented on the same weekend the above article was published a Functional Medicine Conference was held in Galway.
A consultant cardiologist and a Professor of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery spoke about statins and how data is used incorrectly to promote their use.
These experts agree that lifestyle changes to reduce cholesterol is the best option while avoiding the risk of statins’ side effects.
Some serious side effects include;
- Muscle pain and damage
- Liver damage
- Increased blood sugar or type 2 diabetes
- Neurological side effects
Here is an interview with Dr. Aseem Malhotra, Consultant Cardiologist, explaining why in order to improve longevity and quality of life Medical Doctors must give complete information to patients and the public on the absolute true benefits and harms of taking a pill every day and help them make a decision based upon the individual patient’s values and preferences.
His advice to those without established heart disease who are in the risk profile is;
Taking statins is NOT going to prolong your life.
What will give you the best quality of life and improve your longevity are these easy steps;
- Eat a Healthy Mediterranean Diet and eliminate refined sugar
- Walk every day for 30 minutes
- Reduce stress levels
- Get quality sleep
- Engaging in good social interaction; spend more time with friends and family and less with social media
These things combined together will combat most of the heart disease epidemic.
(For further reading the highlighted links in the above bullet points will take you to articles I’ve written in the past about these every steps.)
My advice regarding medication and drugs articles on mainstream media like the one above is to question everything. Do your own research from reputable sources and if I can be of any help please call or email me.
