[catnipman]

“Low levels of HDL, High Density Lipoprotein, are closely linked to heart disease”

Actually, the cholesterol theory of heart disease is nearly dead.

[Night Hides Not]

I've learned some important stuff since being diagnosed as Type II two years ago:

1. Many of the foods that raise the good cholesterol levels also raise my blood glucose level.

2. My doctor has moderated his views on bread. First, it was no bread whatsoever, now whole wheat is ok. I opt for the 21 grain bread sold at Sprouts.

3. If one thing doesn't get me, another will. Accordingly, I monitor what I eat, exercise regularly, and enjoy each day as much as I can.

4. I also resolve not to drink a bottle (plus) of wine the day before I go in for my blood work. I did that two months ago, and came up anemic...and I've never been anemic. lol Was the wine good? Absolutely!

[mazda77]

Assumptions built upon assumptions isn’t that the same scientific assumptions bandied about as fact by the warmers?

I have come to the realization that if you instantly believe any “study” that makes the MSM, you might be a redneck.

[caveat emptor]

Actually, the cholesterol theory of heart disease is nearly dead.

I wish (long story, why I wish). It's "always" been "nearly dead", and yet (written in 2011)....

Pfizer’s Lipitor was the world’s top-selling medicine last year, according to IMS, raking in sales of $13.3billion. AstraZeneca’s Crestor, which garnered $5.38billion in sales during 2009, is one of the company’s best selling medicines.

Total sales last year of cholesterol-treating medicines - including statins - were $35billion, according to IMS.

...and it would have been except for the fluke that an essential amino acid, methionine, hadn't been isolated when a young MD, PhD, researcher at Mass. General Hospital, Kilmer McCully, started investigating causes of arteriosclerosis: career, "The Fall and Rise of Kilmer McCully".

[mlo]

“Low levels of HDL, High Density Lipoprotein, are closely linked to heart disease”

Actually, the cholesterol theory of heart disease is nearly dead.

These two statements aren't in conflict. Yes, total cholesterol levels or consumption are not linked to heart disease. That's been known for a very long time, regardless of what people have been told.

But low levels of HDL is in fact a strong predictor of heart disease, as is high levels of triglycerides.

[PA Engineer]

Actually, the cholesterol theory of heart disease is nearly dead.

Yep, however the ratio of HDL and Triglycerides has been found to be a good predictor.

There are currently no drugs that can reverse low levels of HDL

This is not true. Niaspan ER (Niacin) is well known to raise HDL levels.