Stories About People Deciding Whether to Use Medicine for High Cholesterol

These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.

Becky, age 56: Heart disease runs in our family, so I know I need to be concerned about my health. I talked with my doctor about my family history and some other risk factors I have, including smoking. We decided that medicine would be a good idea for me, so I'm going to take it.

Carole, age 58: I don't like taking pills all the time, and I would have to take statins for the rest of my life to keep getting any benefit from them. My only other risk factor is high blood pressure. I just want to try changing my habits. I will try eating healthy foods and getting enough exercise to help keep my weight under control.

Charles, age 48: My dad died of a heart attack when he was in his 50s. I must have inherited my high cholesterol from him. I don't want to die before my time, so I am going to take medicine.

Diego, age 41: I just had a cholesterol test and found out that my cholesterol is high. But my blood pressure and some other things are fine. I don't smoke. So my doctor and I talked about it. She gave me some ways I can eat better and get more exercise.