It's not easy to alter your lifestyle and take cholesterol-lowering medication, especially when you don't feel any symptoms. It is very important, however, that you understand and stick to your treatment plan. Remember:
- Talk with your doctor about how you can reduce your risks for heart disease.
- Know your total, LDL, and HDL cholesterol levels and what the numbers mean.
- Follow the diet and exercise guidelines that your doctor, nutritionist, or other health care provider gives you.
- Maintain follow-up appointments with your doctor.
- If your doctor prescribes cholesterol-lowering medication, make sure you understand the instructions on taking it and follow those instructions.
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Helpful Handouts Before you leave your doctor's office, make sure that you ask the right questions. For a list you can print out and take with you, click here. |
If you experience problems with your medicine, do not stop taking the drug on your own. Talk with your doctor first. Most side effects go away over time, or your doctor may be able to change the dosage or prescribe a different drug.
High cholesterol can be controlled. By working with your doctor to follow your treatment guidelines and to stay informed about your health status, you can reduce your cholesterol and decrease your risk for heart disease.
Once diagnosed with high cholesterol, managing your condition will be a life-long commitment. The steps you take now are important to improve the quality of your life.
Review Date: August 24, 2004
Reviewed By: Jacqueline A. Hart, M.D., Department of Internal Medicine,
Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Harvard University and Senior Medical Editor,
A.D.A.M., Inc.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
