So what is the point of lowering a cholesterol numbers with Zetia when Zetia has not been found to reduce the incidence of heart disease? Numbers do not matter, outcomes matter. Regards life-style changes, maybe I am a hard-ass, but I would say "can't" is the wrong word -- should be "won't." That problem is not helped by the availability of a pill that make you feel good about your cholesterol numbers even though the labeling concedes the pill is worthless for its intended purpose of preventing heart disease. All too many doctors have become jaded where they take the easy way out and write scripts when the need to be far more aggressive about lifestyle. To understand one reason why, poll all the medical professionals you know and ask them what their required ongoing education consists of. In most cases, it will be paid vacations sponsored by drug companies pushing their latest and most profitable meds.

"All drugs have side effects." You are correct. That is why I do not take a drug without a clear and compelling reason such as the eyedrops that are keeping my glaucoma at bay.

Don in Austin