High Cholesterol - Patient Guide

What is it?

Cholesterol is a waxy fat in your blood. Your body needs some, but too much of the "bad" kind (LDL) slowly builds plaque inside your blood vessels. Plaque can block blood flow or break open — that is what causes most heart attacks and strokes. High cholesterol has no symptoms; only a blood test finds it.

What can I do?

• Eat more fiber — oats, beans, fruits, vegetables. Fiber pulls cholesterol out of the body.
• Eat fish twice a week, and cook with olive or canola oil instead of butter.
• Cut back on fried food, processed meat, and fatty red meat.
• Move most days — activity raises your "good" cholesterol.
• If you smoke, quit. Nothing helps your heart more.

What about statins?

Statins lower LDL by 30–50% and are proven in huge studies to prevent heart attacks and strokes. Most people take them without any problem. If you get muscle aches, tell us — often it is not the statin, and there are easy fixes like changing the dose or switching pills. Do not stop on your own. Ask us before eating a lot of grapefruit — it interacts with some statins.

When should I call?

• Muscle aches that bother you after starting a statin.
• You want help with diet, quitting smoking, or can't afford a medicine — there are options.