International Astronomical Union in the year 2006 removed Pluto from the solar system for a simple reason , the so-called Pluto never revolved around Sun , hence it ceased to be a planet of the solar system , it was more of an asteroid !
So, an astronomical fact engraved in our brains for so long became a fairy tale. It is very hard to erase a myth however solid the new evidence are against it.
The concept of HDL as good cholesterol has been etched deep in physician as well as our patients.
Now comes the shocker from Lancet
How are we so sure , about these Invisible spheres of lipids that move around our “Bio-system” in a presumed fashion . . . even huge visible planets fool us easily !
The Link to lancet study
It is a wonderfully done study where thousands of patients who exhibited genetically high HDL levels , never showed any advantage in terms of CAD prevention. A stunning blow to a belief.
Incidentally , few years back the failure of drug Torcetrapib proved the same point . (The drug which elevates HDL proved useless in preventing CAD ) but the medical world failed to interpret it properly.
I am sure, still sections of physician community would continue to believe HDL is great molecule for CAD protection !
Science is often what we presume . . . but the fact usually turns out to be some thing else ! but the journey towards truth must continue !
When a million tonne Pluto suddenly disappear from Solar system . . . it is not a big deal for a “miniscule medical myth” to get shattered !
Dr.S.Venkatesan MD 