[Dennis Kalma]

Yeah Rick, I guess a background in physics leaves me woefully prepared for statistics.

There is an improvement, but my point is that it is a multivariable problem, no hard cause/effect just increased risk factors seemingly correlated with some specific and measureable factors like cholesterol levels, blood pressure etc etc.

Point that I want to make is that high cholesterol is by no means a guarantee of an early heart attack, but it is one risk factor. If one has several risk factors, most notably family history of heart problems, then I would suggest chasing the cholesterol bandwagon with all your heart (PI). If it is the only factor you have, then it may be worthwhile not taking drugs that give you quality of life issues.

I wish I could dig up the documents, but my recollection is that it is a 60% increase in heart related fatalities, but it was from a pretty small base so undue worry isn't really appropriate.

Take care....and keep in mind I really DO NOT want to live much beyond my mid-70's anyway....too bloody old for me.

Dennis