Cardiologist Jorge Tartaglione sounded the alarm and dropped a fact few want to hear: a healthy diet and exercise are not always enough to lower cholesterol. In an interview, the specialist explained how statins, the star medication for controlling cholesterol levels, work, and lashed out against the wave of fake news circulating on social media.
“They catch an enzyme, crush it, and less cholesterol is produced,” Tartaglione described about the mechanism of statins, which in addition to reducing bad cholesterol (LDL) decrease the risk of heart attack, stroke, and even neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. But beware: the doctor was emphatic in clarifying that not everything is solved with pills. “30% of cholesterol comes from diet, but many people produce it genetically in the liver,” he noted, referring to those vegetarian patients who still have sky-high cholesterol.
What most angered the cardiologist was the amount of misinformation circulating, especially among colleagues. “It is very concerning the large number of fake news. Practically 50% of medical news is false. There is no doubt that cholesterol medications are good and save lives,” he stated. And he added with frustration: “You go on social media and they say that if you take statins, they will kill you, your leg will hurt. That generates a lot of doubt. I am concerned that many of these posts are from doctors. Why do they do it?”
But not all is bad news. Tartaglione also recalled that statins have adverse effects, though in a low proportion: “In 1% of cases, they cause muscle pain.” A minimal risk compared to the benefits, according to the specialist.
Meanwhile, in Argentina the situation is alarming. The 4th National Risk Factor Survey revealed that nearly 40% of adults over 18 have high total cholesterol. Dr. Analía Aquieri, cardiologist at the Hospital de Clínicas of the University of Buenos Aires, recommended check-ups from age 6 onward, especially if there is a family history of hereditary cholesterol or early cardiovascular disease. “In low-risk patients, it is suggested to reassess every three years until the fourth decade and then annually,” she detailed.
To keep cholesterol in check, specialists recommend a fiber-rich diet: whole grains, leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, legumes, nuts, and fruits. A report from Harvard University recommends between 20 and 30 grams of fiber daily. But, as Tartaglione said, sometimes even that is not enough. Therefore, medication is not a whim: it is a matter of life or death.
Para mí, Tartaglione la tiene clarísima. Las estatinas salvan vidas y punto. Los zurdos de siempre quieren que nos infartemos todos. Yo creo que esos médicos truchos venden humo para joder. Basta de fake news, la salud no es joda. Firmado: El Gaucho de la Verdad.
Para mí Tartaglione es un vendido más de las farmacéuticas, las estatinas son veneno y el colesterol no existe, es todo un invento del capitalismo para enfermarnos. La única posta es una dieta vegana y anticapitalista, los médicos que recetan eso son cómplices del genocidio médico. ¡Basta de fake news que nos quieren matar! ✊