Don’t Worry About “Bad” Cholesterol, Says Dr. Paul Saladino

Do you worry about high cholesterol?

My mother had high cholesterol her whole life as did her mother. They both died at 96 with no other health conditions….neither took any prescription drugs .

I've had high "bad" cholesterol for years. My doctor wanted to put me on a statin. I had heard that getting a coronary calcium scan could determine if I had any plaque buildup in my arteries. It was maybe $100 to do but my score came back at zero. There was no reason I needed to be on a statin. That was 6 years ago and last year I had the scan done again. Score was zero. The scary thing was my doc knew about these scans and didn't even offer it up as a solution. She just wanted to put me on a statin.

My grandma was told in the 90's she had high cholesterol and needed to put on a statin. She said no and she's still here. She's now 91 soon to be 92

My daughter (15) was told she has high cholesterol and because I wouldn’t put her on a statin our Dr fired us as patients. She is not diabetic. We are in Canada.

My cholesterol numbers have been high for the past 30 yrs. I’m currently 67 😮yrs. IN 2023 I had an stress test, echo, ultrasound, and a cardiac calcium score (CT) of my heart done. No calcium buildup in my arteries. My calcium score was 0. Yet my doctor wants me on statins. If what I’ve been doing for the last 30 yrs has not caused any plaque buildup and I get another 30 yrs I’ll take my chances! 🤷🏽‍♀️

Canola oil was developed for lubricating machinery.

I remember in the late 70s and early 80s, my relatives who were doctors boasted about being invited on "conferences" on luxury cruises by pharma reps, who told them how much money they would earn prescribing statins where patients would have to buy them for life.

I've never had a doctor ask me about my diet.

I don't worry about it. Mine has been 235 to 240 for 40 years since I was 37 and back then 235 was considered normal. Pharma kept lowering the numbers every 10 years. I think pharma just keeps lowering the safe numbers to put more people on stations. Scare tactics were used by a cardiologist on me so I dumped him.

I’m a fit 58 year old and was given a statin . Took it for a year and did my research . I’ve now stopped the statin as I have no other health heart risks and regularly exercise and am not overweight. More risks taking this drug than not in my case

I was diagnosed with high cholesterol about 15 years ago and was put on Lipitor. Within 2 weeks it caused me to be temporarily paralyzed, for several hours. The Dr took me off the Lipitor, & put me on another statin, that one caused me to be temporarily paralyzed also, except it took a month before the paralysis happened. Then the Dr put me on prescription Niacin, which caused me to break out in hives. I can't take any of those meds for lowering my cholesterol. When I see my GP doctor, he tests my cholesterol & says "you have elevated cholesterol, don't worry about it". And I'm always careful about what I eat, to keep my cholesterol down.

I'm glad you mentioned insulin sensitivity and oxidization of cells. Much bigger need for this focus.

Don’t fight your doc when they insist that you go on a statin - they get their feelings hurt and are insulted - just tell them you have terrible side effects They have to recommend them - and they’ll never know you are throwing them away I have had cholesterol nearing and over 300 for 30 years and I’m in great shape - and have been on Keto for years

My Dr wanted to put me on a statin also for elevated LDL & total cholesterol. I had a cardiac cath for what turned out to be esophageal erosions. The cardiologist said I have the heart of an 18 year old. No blockages. Thank you for your in depth teaching on this topic! ❤

I was on statins my legs hurt so bad I could barely drive my car or sit for anytime… my doctor told me it’s probably a pinched nerve… I quit taking the meds in less than a year my legs are fine

My LDL was always high, last time over 300 and my cardiologist from Cleveland Clinic did not worry about it (like me) Had a heart cath 1 year ago and all is fine. I am 69 yrs.

Statins are poison to me!

I just went to the doctor. My cholesterol was 298. My ldl was 203. HDL is 85. My new doctor that I met once wanted to prescribe a statin. She never asked me about my diet or activity level. I recently lost thirty pounds since starting keto and intermittent fasting three weeks ago. I also tasted before the blood test. How can a doctor prescribe medication with out know your full history. I went in there for a sleep study and instead received a prescription for anxiety meds and a statin. I canceled my next appointment. Edited to add I’ve never had a heart attack or any other health issues.

Absolutely the best explanation of LDL I've seen. I feel well armed for the inevitable statin conversation I'll be having during my annual physical in two weeks. Thank you!