There are several advertising campaigns currently being aired on Australian television that are extremely misleading.
The first depicts a person diving under water and likening a narrowing cave to the arteries in our body. The inference is made that by taking cholesterol-lowering medication you prevent cholesterol plaque from building up and eventually obstructing your blood vessels. This is deceptive at best. Cholesterol is a natural substance produced by the liver. Up to 80% is produced by the body, with the remaining 20% usually consumed in our diet. Should we consume more cholesterol, a healthy liver compensates by producing less. Cholesterol is a vital component of hormones and cell membranes. Generally our body will only produce what is essential and beneficial. So why does cholesterol have such a bad reputation? Misguided research. When the lining of our blood vessels becomes inflamed, our body sends cholesterol to help heal. Excessive inflammation is what causes plaque build up.