PUBLIC OPINION ABOUT THE BENEFITS AND HARMS OF CHOLESTEROL

Abstract

The cultural dogma is that cholesterol is an evil villain that needs to be eradicated for true health. Given the unflagging efforts of the medical establishment over the last few decades to lower cholesterol and corresponding media saturation of food and drug promotions boasting cholesterol-lowering effects, it is understandable that most consumers are not concerned about having cholesterol levels that are too low. The reports from aggressive cholesterol-lowering methods suggest that, for many patients, the potential cardiovascular benefits may come with unforeseen risks to physical, mental health and behaviour. The objective of the study was to assess public awareness about the benefits and harms of cholesterol. The tasks were to evaluate public knowledge about cardiovascular disease prevention program, healthy cholesterol levels and potential risks of dyslipidemia with increased or reduced cholesterol levels. The results indicated that the majority of respondents were not aware about the updated cardiovascular disease prevention program and recommended cholesterol levels; more than half of the respondents stated that cholesterol levels must be as low as possible; the majority of respondents were not aware that too low cholesterol levels are linked to depression, dementia, type two diabetes, cancer, aggressive behaviour and shortened life span.