The ABC's health specialist has launched an extraordinary attack on the ABC TV Catalyst program, saying a program broadcast last week about cholesterol and heart attacks might cause people to die.

"People will die as a result of the Catalyst program unless people understand at heart what the issues are," Dr Norman Swan told an ABC radio audience.

Dr MaryAnne Demasi: Catalyst presenter.

Appearing twice on ABC Radio National to attack the program, both at breakfast and in his own Health Report program, Dr Norman Swan said what made him "really angry" was the effect it might have on indigenous Australians, who are especially likely to suffer from high cholesterol.