Evaluating Statins.(Letter to the Editor)

Readers of our July 28 cover story on the new cholesterol-lowering drugs were wary. Suggested one: "We should change our diets and exercise." Another warned that "the cure could be worse than the disease." A cynic huffed, "A pill for every ill? Please!"

The Skinny on Cholesterol

Your July 28 cover story shows again that we've created an overmedicated society ("You Want Statins With That?"). Until we wake up to the understanding that the majority of cardiovascular-related deaths are preventable, we will continue to sanction a "pill for every ill" mentality. As you state, someone with perfectly normal blood cholesterol can still be at risk for type 2 ...