The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has asked patients to continue taking prescribed cholesterol medications following the airing of controversial claims on the ABC Catalyst program last Thursday.
The ABC program aired unproven theories on the causation of heart disease, was very selective in presentation of evidence on the effectiveness of cholesterol drugs, know as statins, which are taken to help prevent cardiovascular disease. The ABC did not disclose that many of the Nutritionists and Cardiologists providing opinions on the programme have business interests in “alternate medicines” for heart disease.
RACGP President, Dr Liz Marles, urges patients to discuss the issue with their regular GP who has extensive clinical knowledge in the management of cardiovascular disease prevention.
“The RACGP maintains a multiple risk factor approach to cardiovascular disease prevention, with cholesterol being only one of many risk factors that lead to heart disease. The RACGP supports the National Vascular Guidelines which base treatment decisions on a patient’s absolute cardiovascular risk.
“Statins, like all medications, have risks and benefits. There are multiple, good quality primary and secondary prevention trials which provide evidence that statins have been beneficial.
“The RACGP is a strong advocate for preventive health and urges all GPs to follow guidelines outlined in the red book and for patients to see their GP regularly and take on a healthy lifestyle," said Dr Marles.