Flawed Reasoning Allows the Persistence of Mainstream Atherothrombosis Theory

Abstract

Deaths due to atherothrombosis are increasing throughout the world except in the lowest socio-demographic stratum. This is despite 60 years of study and expenditure of billions of dollars on lipid theory. Nevertheless, mainstream atherothrombosis theory persists even though it has failed numerous tests. Contrary data are ignored, consistent with the practice of science as envisioned by Thomas Kuhn. This paper examines defects in mainstream atherogenesis theory and the flawed logic which allows its persistence in the face of what should be obvious shortcomings.

Keywords: ad hoc; atherothrombosis; cholesterol; inflammation; kuhn; lipid; logic; paradigm shift; popper; theory.

Figure 1. Ischemic Heart Disease in the U.S.

Disability-adjusted life years lost (DALYs) per 100,000 due to ischemic heart disease in the United States. Rates began to increase in 2011. Courtesy of the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation.

Figure 2. Global Morbidity and Mortality Due to Ischemic Heart Disease

Disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) per 100,000 due to ischemic heart disease stratified by socio-demographic index (; a measure of per capita income, average educational attainment, and fertility rate and in high income countries from 1990 to 2016. Rates for high income and high and high-mid socio-demographic index countries decreased from approximately 2005 until roughly 2010 and then began to increase in approximately 2014. No increase was noted in the low socio-demographic stratum. Courtesy of the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation.