By late May, the panel will issue a new set of guidelines for screening and treating cholesterol levels. One big reason is drugs, especially a class known as statins, which have been wildly successful in trials. They dropped LDL by 20 percent to 30 percent with minimal side effects. Some trials were stopped early because researchers didn't want to deprive control group members of the benefits. The side effects of muscle fatigue and raised liver enzymes are rare, but millions more people taking these drugs will translate to trouble for some patients.
Cost is another hangup.
But don't consider him satisfied. People aren't making the lifestyle changes. A cholesterol-lowering regimen still doesn't start with drugs. Oops, another magic pill gone poof. 2001 AzStarNet, Arizona Daily Star and its wire services and suppliers, and may not be republished without permission.