Thanks. Here is another one of my articles, re: the mystery of the rise and fall of cardiovascular deaths last century:

https://medium.com/p/751972447fbf

I read/reserach articles in Nature & Science, then write for the lay person. I can obviously take some liberties, not being an MD. However, some interesting information. My takeaways:

1) The control of infectious disease and hypertension meds probably the biggest factor in reducing cardiovascular deaths. Anti-smoking, drinking, trans-fats, statins, stents, etc helped but less so.

2) Much of the "success" of statins may be with older, overweight males. One study I saw said that statins increased lifespan in men 55-65, but not before of after. I'd say that exercise/muscle mass and Blue Zone diet the best for seniors, and if that's not possible, things like statins and metformin (anti-inflammatories). I suppose the rejoinder is "statins can't hurt", but I wonder.

3) I rely more on Crp numbers than cholesterol numbers. I seem to control Crp w exercise.

4) Sildenafil seems to have few side effects (other than the warnings for taking with nitroglycerin), but more studies needed. Body-builders, long distance swimmers, mountain climbers also swear by it.

5) Jack LaLanne had the right ideas

https://medium.com/p/8001af1e3241

6) Most seniors are too lazy to exercise, so I guess our society is headed the Statin/Metformin/Ozempic direction

7) Great if you could do follow ups