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Why is it important to take high cholesterol medication?

High cholesterol is associated with increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Statins are drugs used to reduce high cholesterol levels. Statins work in the liver to prevent cholesterol from forming. If you are prescribed a statin, it is important to take it every day to prevent high cholesterol that can cause heart attacks and stroke.

How should doctors help manage your high cholesterol?

Your doctor should consider your cholesterol levels, age, gender, race, overall health history (e.g., tobacco use, high blood pressure) to determine your risk for heart attack and stroke and discuss which medications are best for you. If a medicine called statin is prescribed, the doctor should request tests to make sure the medication is not causing harm. The doctor should also help you manage your high cholesterol in other ways such as helping you to plan healthy meals with less salt and saturated (“bad”) fat and encouraging you to stay physically active. If you use tobacco, your doctor should also encourage you to quit.

Talk with your doctor and health plan to find out about what other services are available. Many health plans offer additional support and resources for patients at risk for heart attack and stroke. These additional services may include educational materials (online and in print), classes or support groups, or phone counseling.