The cholesterol controversy and health education: a response to the critics.

Abstract

The rapid pace of cholesterol reduction initiatives has given rise to considerable controversy regarding the scientific basis for mass efforts to lower blood cholesterol and the proposed guidelines for treatment. This article summarizes the key criticisms in the cholesterol controversy and identifies responses that have been given, as well as emerging perspectives. The issues are summarized in four categories: the science base, translation of the science into clinical medicine, misuse of the cholesterol issue to serve profit motives, and public health policy regarding allocation of resources for prevention. It is important for health and patient educators to be aware of the criticisms, to appreciate their origins and to understand the available responses in order to be effective agents for chronic disease risk reduction.