Dr. Manson said 60 million Americans age 20 to 74 were candidates for cholesterol reduction.

But now there are tantalizing hints that, in a certain category of cancer cases, cholesterol reduction might head off tumor formation as well.

Several studies point to a cholesterol reduction attributed to a diet that includes dietary fiber such as psyllium.

The nation's policy on cholesterol reduction is no different in concept from that on polio vaccine.

Those people used to be handed a diet to start and given more modest goals for cholesterol reduction.

But while cholesterol reduction may be the main effect of statins, the drugs are thought to perform in several other ways to reduce cardiovascular risk.

Many experts argue forcefully that cholesterol reduction does no harm to the individual and might well prevent heart attacks in many people.

They also believe the recommended dietary changes would be healthful for a variety of reasons, not just cholesterol reduction.

The group said that it was not established that cholesterol reduction in older people saved lives or reduced the chances of having a heart attack.

At the same time, some experts are questioning the health benefits of aggressive cholesterol reduction in people over 60 and in women of all ages.