To Statin or Not to Statin: Navigating Cholesterol, Cardiology, and Conflicting Health Narratives

Written by Charles Mattocks for Ravoke.com

An Honest Reflection on Modern Preventive Cardiology

I recently went to visit a cardiologist—not because something was wrong, but because I believe it is far better to be proactive than reactive. As we get older and move further away from our twenties, the idea of preventative health starts to carry more weight. Quite frankly, if my insurance is willing to cover advanced testing, I am going to take advantage of it.

As part of this visit, I underwent a heart CT scan. A cardiac CT scan is a non-invasive, rapid diagnostic imaging test that uses X-ray technology to generate highly detailed three-dimensional images of the heart, its valves, and the coronary arteries. It is most commonly used to detect coronary artery disease, plaque accumulation, and calcium deposits, while also assessing overall heart structure and pumping efficiency to help diagnose risk and guide treatment planning.

Understanding Cholesterol and CAC Scores

I have historically had elevated cholesterol levels. While my “good” cholesterol has remained strong and balanced, the overall numbers have still raised eyebrows. Several years ago, I had a Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) scan, which is a quick, non-invasive CT test designed to measure calcified plaque within the coronary arteries. This test is often used to assess the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) and potential future cardiac events.

At that time—about five years ago—my CAC score was zero. Given the time that had passed, and seeing far too many people in their 30s and 40s suffering fatal heart attacks, I felt it was prudent to reassess where I stood.

The results of my recent lab work were, overall, very encouraging. Aside from moderately elevated cholesterol and a slightly elevated fasting blood glucose level, everything else looked excellent. By most conventional standards, I appear to be in very good health.

Dietary Choices: Carnivore, Keto, and Low-Carb Perspectives

Over the past few years, I have experimented with dietary approaches including the carnivore diet and ketogenic eating. For the most part, I now follow a low-carbohydrate lifestyle, with periods where my diet was almost entirely meat-based. I did not approach this recklessly or excessively, but I did experience noticeable short-term benefits—some of which may translate into longer-term advantages through weight loss and the elimination of refined carbohydrates, starches, and sugars.

Without going too far into the weeds, it is widely acknowledged that lower-carbohydrate diets can offer significant benefits when compared to the standard American diet. We are surrounded daily by fast-food restaurants and ultra-processed options, and the reality is that poor nutrition is contributing to the decline of millions of lives. Food addiction—often unrecognized—is silently driving chronic disease on a massive scale. The list of consequences is long and troubling.

Statins: Conflicting Voices and Growing Distrust

This brings me to the central question: statins.

I have consumed countless articles, studies, and videos from individuals who adamantly argue that statins are harmful and should be avoided at all costs. On the opposite end of the spectrum, primary care physicians often seem ready to prescribe them the moment a patient walks through the door.

To be clear, I do not entirely dismiss the science behind statins. However, when my cardiologist raised the topic, my initial response was firm resistance. I felt a sense of conviction—and admittedly pride—in standing my ground. While my cholesterol levels have improved somewhat through dietary changes, portion control, and fasting, the cardiologist gently challenged my perspective. Unlike many doctors, he did not rush to write a prescription. Instead, he explained his reasoning with patience and respect.

For a brief moment, I considered whether a very low dose—perhaps taken only two or three times per week—might make sense. That thought alone revealed something deeper: I am no longer certain who to trust.

When Experts Contradict Themselves

I see overweight physicians advising lifestyle changes they do not appear to follow themselves. I see out-of-shape doctors suffering early deaths despite promoting health guidance. I see vocal carnivore advocates abruptly abandoning the lifestyle after receiving alarming CAC scores, reversing course from what they once claimed was the ultimate solution.

We also see many healthcare influencers putting their own health at risk by experimenting with all sorts of extreme treatments, pills, potions, and lotions in pursuit of clicks and views, only to later pivot and promote an entirely new line of supplements as the next solution.

It raises an uncomfortable question: do many of these experts truly know what they are talking about, or have they simply found a niche—much like pastors building congregations around a message that resonates?

There is undeniably valuable information available. We can learn practical tips and foundational principles from many voices. But the deeper questions remain unresolved. Human biology is highly individualized. What works exceptionally well for one person may be harmful for another. A lifestyle that enhances one person’s health may introduce risk and uncertainty for someone else. The same foods that stabilize one metabolism may destabilize another entirely.

When financial incentives are tied to personal brands, affiliate links, and supplement launches, objectivity can quietly erode. What begins as curiosity-driven biohacking can quickly morph into performative experimentation, where personal health becomes collateral damage in the race for relevance.

This revolving door of “protocols” creates confusion rather than clarity. One month a compound is framed as life-saving; the next, it is quietly abandoned without accountability or follow-up. Rarely do we see long-term data, admissions of harm, or transparent discussions of unintended consequences. Instead, audiences are often presented with a rebranded solution, marketed with renewed certainty, as if the previous approach never existed.

So… To Statin or Not to Statin?

This is where I remain conflicted.

Is there even a modest benefit to statin use for someone with elevated cholesterol but no current cardiac disease? Could statins meaningfully slow the progression of future cardiovascular issues over time? As my cardiologist suggested, the goal may not be immediate treatment, but long-term risk mitigation.

I have heard arguments claiming that humans historically did not live long enough for elevated cholesterol to become problematic. Others suggest cholesterol may protect against dementia and other neurological conditions. With so many conflicting narratives, the question becomes: who can we realistically trust?

Can someone who has never experienced high cholesterol or hypertension fully understand what it means to live with it?

What I Know for Certain

There are undeniable fundamentals that consistently support better health outcomes:

• Eating real, whole foods
• Drinking adequate amounts of water
• Exercising regularly
• Prioritizing high-quality sleep
• Managing stress as effectively as possible
• Avoiding smoking, drugs, and excessive alcohol
• Daily fasting
• Daily creatine (10 grams)
• Nightly glycine (10 grams)
• One 24 hour fast a month
• One 48 hour fast a quarter
• One 72 hour fast a year
• 8-9 hours of sleep/night
• 10,000 steps a day
• Lift weights
• Sauna 3x a week (20 min) if you can
• Remove seed oils
• Remove veg oils
• Remove artificial colouring/flavouring
• Remove high fructose corn syrup

Even then, nothing is guaranteed. There are individuals with impeccable lifestyles who still succumb to cancer, genetic diseases, or unforeseen illnesses. There is no universal roadmap to longevity. Genetics, environment, and chance all play a role.

Ultimately, we must take responsibility for our own health—learning our numbers, getting tested when possible, making informed adjustments, and seeking professionals who genuinely care and take the time to listen.

Doctors and experts are often trying to do their best—though not all are free from pharmaceutical influence, corporate healthcare pressures, or regulatory constraints. We are navigating a complex and often contradictory system.

Here is some of the science by Dr. Hal Huggins on Cholesterol

You’ve been lied to. Cholesterol isn’t the villain – Dr. Hal Huggins nails it:
“Cholesterol Is The Most Important Molecule In The Body…Don’t Blame Cholesterol For The Harm That Calcium Causes.”

• Plaque Reality Check: Arterial plaque is ~90% calcium buildup, with just 1.5% fat (0.5% cholesterol). Unstable plaques are lipid-rich, but calcification stabilizes them – yet docs blame cholesterol? (NEJM, 1997: Davies on plaque composition)

• Brain Powerhouse: 60% of your brain is fat; 30% of that is cholesterol – essential for neurons, memory, & mood. Low levels? Linked to depression & dementia. (StatPearls: Cholesterol’s role in cell membranes & hormones)

Longevity Boost: Higher LDL (100-189 mg/dL) = LOWER mortality risk in adults 50-89. Elderly with high LDL live LONGER! (BMJ Open, 2016: Inverse association in 92% of cohorts; Nutrients, 2025: 40% lower mortality risk)

Inflammation, Not Cholesterol: Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease – driven by endothelial damage, not LDL. (NEJM, 1999: Ross’s landmark review; Nature, 2022: Chronic inflammation key driver)

Root causes to crush inflammation

• Low Vit D, Mg, K2 deficiencies
• Seed oils, processed sugars/carbs
• Insulin resistance, obesity, stress
• Toxins, poor sleep, no exercise

And then we have the Statin side effect

• Statin Side Effects: A Nightmare List

• Muscle pain/tearing & weakness
• Type 2 diabetes (new onset)
• Brain fog, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s
• Heart failure & cardiomyopathy
• Liver/kidney damage
• Neuropathy, fatigue, depression
• MS, ALS, epilepsy—even CANCER

Then you have the other side that thinks statins are amazing

1. What statins actually do,What statins actually do,
Statins don’t just “lower cholesterol.”
They inhibit HMG-CoA reductase (the mevalonate pathway), which also supplies:

CoQ10 (mitochondrial energy transfer)
Isoprenoids for cell signalling
Hormone precursors
Membrane and repair lipids

This isn’t a cholesterol switch.
It’s a system-wide metabolic throttle.

2. Why they reduce heart attacks

Why they reduce heart attacks

Statins do reduce cardiovascular events.
But not mainly because LDL drops.

They:
• Reduce arterial inflammation
• Stabilise existing plaques
• Quiet immune activity in vessel walls

That’s why benefits appear quickly —
long before plaques could realistically regress.

They don’t clean arteries.
They calm damaged ones.

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My Thoughts

Get tested while you can. Know your numbers. Ask questions. Make changes where necessary. Surround yourself with people who care enough to be honest and thorough.

There are no guarantees, but doing your part matters.

Godspeed—and here’s hoping we can all live to 150, healthy and aware.

FAQ

What is a CAC score and why does it matter?
A Coronary Artery Calcium score measures calcified plaque in the coronary arteries and helps estimate the risk of coronary artery disease and future heart events.

Are statins always necessary for high cholesterol?
Not always. The decision depends on individual risk factors, CAC score, genetics, and overall cardiovascular health.

Can diet alone lower cholesterol?
For many people, dietary changes can significantly improve cholesterol levels, though results vary by individual.

Is the carnivore or keto diet safe long term?
Short-term benefits are commonly reported, but long-term outcomes vary and should be monitored with regular testing.

Should I trust online health influencers?
They can provide useful insights, but personal testing, professional guidance, and critical thinking are essential.