Cholesterol: Unraveling the roadmap to a healthy heart
In the world of healthcare, few topics have been as controversial and misunderstood as cholesterol. For decades, conventional wisdom has linked elevated cholesterol levels, especially LDL cholesterol, to an increased risk of heart disease. This belief led to the development of cholesterol-lowering drugs, commonly known as statins, which have become some of the most widely prescribed medications worldwide. However, recent scientific advancements and insights from leading specialists are challenging the prevailing model of cholesterol testing and treatment.
Questioning the Current Paradigm:
The current model of cholesterol testing is simply not fit for purpose. It is outdated, flawed and incomplete. It is also out of sync with modern science and medical understanding but the dogma rumbles onwards with very few members of the public aware of the situation. The idea that elevated cholesterol (especially LDL) is a primary risk factor for heart disease opened the door for the introduction of cholesterol lowering drugs commonly referred to as statins.
Statins were first identified in 1976 and first prescribed in the US in 1987. Today they remain in the top 3 prescribed drugs in the world. This ushered in the era of fulfillment for the pharmaceutical big hitters such as Henry Gadsden (Merck chief executive). In the 70s Gadsden was directly quoted in Forbes magazine with the following: “The problem we have had is limiting the potential of drugs to sick people. We could be more like Wrigley's Gum...it has long been my dream to make drugs for healthy people. To sell to everyone.” Currently the use of statins is being questioned by an increasing number of world leading specialists.
This was on top of the flawed science provided by Ancel Keys in the late 50s and 60s that drove the idea that saturated fats directly led to higher blood cholesterol and the development of heart disease. The following decades have seen ever increasing drives towards low fat diets, low fat foods and ever-increasing heart disease. In 2019 an estimated 17.9 million people died from cardiovascular disease. That represents 32% of worldwide deaths. Prior to this cardiovascular disease was a relatively rare condition in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Takes these quotes for an example of more connective thinking:
Bob Pfalzgraf MD
‘I’ve been doing autopsies for 33 years. I’ve done over 9000 autopsies. Nobody is dying of elevated LDL cholesterol’.
Dr. Malcolm Kendrick
‘It is impossible for saturated fat to raise LDL. Fat goes to intestinal wall & then into blood via Chylomicrons (gobbled up by fat tissue 2-3 hrs). LDL is offspring of liver-made lipoprotein VLDL that delivers liver-made-fat. Separate, distinct pathways!’
Empowering Solutions:
Valeo is committed to leading the way in testing and evaluation. Yes, we do have to report results in the way they are presented to us from the labs that we partner with. That means that traditional lipid (cholesterol) testing is a part of that. Yet, we go further. We were the first company in the region to produce a TG/HDL ratio. Broadly speaking this helps define the size, shape, and health of your cholesterol. We have introduced far more in-depth tests related to lipid health including ldl particle size for example. We are introducing optimum biomarker ranges to give you specific health targets rather than settle for the norm. We have researched and manufactured market leading, high-quality supplements to support lipid profiles and we provide health coaching to all our clients, at no extra cost.
Taking Charge of Your Health:
So, you may well ask ‘what can I do’?
• Get tested on a regular basis
• Review with your coach
• Get educated on what your results actually mean
• Control your blood sugar, the lower, the better
• Control your triglycerides, the lower the better
• Don’t be scared of cholesterol – your body manufactures it after all
• Be active in a way that suits you
• Manufactured, low fat foods are detrimental to health
The world of cholesterol testing and treatment is evolving, and we at Valeo are at the forefront of this transformation. Our commitment to comprehensive testing, personalized guidance, and research-backed solutions sets us apart in the pursuit of optimal cardiovascular health.
If you are ready to take control of your cholesterol and embark on a journey towards improved heart health, Book your Cholesterol Blood test with Valeo.