Care Guides - Step 8: You and your doctor are a team

Return to Index Step 1: The Dangers of High Cholesterol Step 2: Types of Cholesterol Step 3: What Causes High Cholesterol?Step 4: Symptoms of High Cholesterol Step 5: Cholesterol Screening and Testing Step 6: Maintain Healthy Habits Step 7: Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs Step 8: You and Your Doctor are a Team Keypoints Glossary

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Step 8: You and your doctor are a team

It's not easy to alter your lifestyle and take cholesterol-lowering medication, especially when you don't feel any symptoms. However, it is exteremely important and beneficial. It is very important, however, that you understand and stick to your treatment plan. Remember:

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 have 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 lifelong commitment. The steps you take now are important to improve the quality of your life.

Review Date: 12/31/2012
Reviewed By: Glenn Gandelman, MD, MPH, FACC Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine at New York Medical College; Private Practice specializing in Cardiovascular Disease in Greenwich, CT. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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