Lowering cholesterol is believed to be the way to reduce heart risk. But experts' opinions are inconsistent. Studies actually found cholesterol lowering drugs statins help those who have had heart disease, but not those who have not.
There are studies suggesting that calcium could be more important than cholesterol. Some people who carry high levels of cholesterol never have heart disease.
There is a theory that the real risk for heart disease is chlorine in chlorinated tap water. When chlorine damages inner walls of vessels, stuff starts to accumulate.
But those who want to prevent heart disease can prevent it simply by following a good lifestyle including a diet.