The attempt to demolish the science and practice of preventive cardiovascular medicine. Part I. Addendum to the positioning around the diagnosis and treatment of dyslipidemias of ANCAM and the joint group of associated medical societies

This manuscript is an addendum to the positioning around the diagnosis and treatment of dyslipidemias of ANCAM and the joint group of associated medical societies, already published. It is the first part of a wider reflection aimed on refute several of the theses and arguments of a group of clinicians and researchers who question the validity of the “cholesterol hypothesis”, the usefulness and safety of statins and the most modern inhibitors of proprotein convertase of subtilisin/kexin type 9 (iPCSK9,) and the role of saturated fatty acids consumed in the usual diet in the atherosclerotic risk. This iconoclastic point of view is dangerous insofar as it undermines the scaffolding that supports the primary and secondary prevention of atherosclerosis. In this section of the manuscript, only the cholesterol hypothesis is discussed. The data of comparative zoology are reviewed, and several experimental animal models are analyzed, both supporting the link between cholesterol and the appearance and evolution of atherosclerotic lesions. The methodology and the results of the Study of the 7 Countries are defended and are exposed the numerous epidemiological, pathological, clinical and interventional evidences, which in our opinion give a solid sustenance to the cholesterol hypothesis. Based on this knowledge it is criticized the LDL cholesterol values currently considered adequate. Furthermore, the so-called residual risk is considered, as well as the conflicting evidence about the usefulness of statins in elderly patients.