Some more recent research indicates that what small benefit gained from the statin drugs may not be the lowering of the cholesterol at all. Yes, they do lower cholesterol. But the very small benefit (in absolute risk reduction) may be from anti inflammatory characteristics of the statins rather than the lowering of cholesterol. The body produces most of the cholesterol internally (as opposed to gaining it from diet). Is the body that stupid? Were we born with a statin deficiency?

Association studies show that older people with higher cholesterol live longer on average than people with lower cholesterol levels. That kind of throws a fly in the ointment.

High triglycerides have a greater association with heart disease than cholesterol. Particularly a high triglycerides to HDL ratio. But there is no pill to lower triglycerides.