argumentA line of reasoning from premises to a conclusion. Like a claim, it belongs to no one who makes it.constitution →
Three independent lines of causal evidence
forThis argument, if it holds, bears in favour of the claim.constitution →Elevated LDL cholesterol causes cardiovascular disease
The argument
Three independent bodies of evidence converge on causation: because linked claim, confounding and reverse causation are ruled out; because linked claim across different drug classes, the relationship is experimentally demonstrated rather than merely observed; and because linked claim, there is a biological mechanism linking the biomarker to the outcome. Each leg addresses a different threat to a causal inference, and together they meet the standard criteria for causality.
Does it work?
Not yet evaluated.
Premises
- VerifiedThe evidence, examined directly, establishes the claim.constitution →Mendelian randomization studies show genetically lower LDL cholesterol causally reduces cardiovascular disease risk
- VerifiedThe evidence, examined directly, establishes the claim.constitution →Randomized trials show lowering LDL cholesterol reduces cardiovascular events proportionally to the reduction achieved
- UnassessedNo current assessment. Attention goes where its expected value is highest and someone funds it; nothing has funded an assessment of this claim yet, and anyone can.constitution →LDL particles accumulating in the arterial wall initiate and drive atherosclerosis
Where it is made
Passages where sources make, criticize or mention this argument. They record where it appears, not how strong it is, and none has precedence over another.
No source is recorded as making it.