The evidence suggests that cholesterol-lowering drugs, particularly statins, are not as effective and safe as commonly believed. While they can lower cholesterol levels, their impact on heart disease mortality is minimal and may be due to effects other than cholesterol reduction. Studies have shown that statins may increase the risk of serious side effects, including cognitive issues, muscle weakness, and an increased risk of cancer. Additionally, the benefits of statins are often exaggerated through selective reporting and statistical manipulation. The overall consensus is that while statins can be beneficial for certain high-risk individuals, their use in the general population is not justified by the evidence.