Another thing to consider is that studies have shown continual but diminishing improvement with ALL reductions in LDL, not just down to 100mg/dL - it is really not clear what the 'optimal' LDL level should be.
On inflammation:
There have been a couple very small trials (do not draw major conclusions) looking at using statins as a treatment for multiple sclerosis based on the inflammation component. It seems statins have potent immunomodulatory effects - specifically on the ability of certain white blood cells to translocate to the site of inflammation. In MS, thats the brain / spinal cord. It may be that in CV disease a potential mechanism is to prevent the inflammatory immune response in the arterial wall.
Isolated pieces such as these do little to explain the complex picture we're seeing. For further interest, you might consider the CV risk profiles between the French and the Scottish. Both tend to have horrible diets, yet the French have markedly lower incidence of CV events. Google 'French paradox' for more information. Good stuff.
|