It’s not only the total cholesterol number, or even the LDL. To get a real picture of your risk, you’ll need to see the aLipo B and Lp(a) numbers. Then your MD can determine your risk profile. My total C was fine for years, but now I’m a high risk patient because of the others. Worth asking your doctor

I have to agree if it is just a number they are trying to get down, that is not necessarily the best approach. I am maxed out on dietary changes, exercise, optimal weight - all those life style issues, yet my total, especially LDL are consistently high without meds. All during my 50's, it seemed ok to have total in the mid - 200's, but when I moved to Georgia and was in my early 60's, I had a spike and my primary care just called in a statin without discussion. I started a year long adventure with cardiologists and passed all tests with flying colors - stress test, ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, calcium score of 0. None of that seemed to matter - just take your statin, which I did with terrible side effects for 2 years until I said "no more, I need a break" - and the pain went away. They are assuming mine is genetic and an advanced lipid workup in 2012 indicated that was likely as the Lp(a) was a bit high at 13. My LDL density pattern was A, which is a large buoyant pattern that tend not to clot, and may even be beneficial, according to my naturopath. Cardiologists don't buy it - if the number is high, you treat it to get it lower. I'm going to push for more testing as I want to know how much of a risk I have and why it is so important to treat it.