Abstract

I emphasize the importance of conflict of interest and implications of Big Pharma-assisted clinical trials when discussing the effects of cholesterol-lowering medicines. The situation around papers on clinical trials has changed since EU Clinical Trial Directive took effect. Trials in which cholesterol levels were lowered or more lowered with aggressive treatment have shown no significant beneficial effects except for few exceptions after the Directive. I also show some other aspects of cholesterol that have rarely (or never) been discussed in Japan. For example; 1. The LDL-cholesterol levels in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) who have already suffered from coronary heart disease (CHD) are not higher than in FH patients without CHD. 2. LDL and other lipoproteins serve as a non-specific natural defense against bacteria and virus. 3. By understanding that LDL-cholesterol is not bad for your health, we can enter new stages of lipid nutrition. The intake of saturated fat does not increase cardiovascular death rates in Japan.