Zetia is probably being sold because it ISN'T A STATIN.
I suspect that is the angle the drug reps use
"if you have a patient that can't tolerate statins-complains of muscle weakness pain etc-give them Zetia"
All those markers you mentioned-are looked at
Lifestyle changes-frequently aren't in the cards for oldsters with heart disease-but they want to live also
They sure as heck can't spend 1 hr on a bike- or change diet dramatically-
hell 20% of adults still smoke-lifestyle changes-EASY to say-tough to do.

All drugs have side effects-all drugs.