@val97 I was able to get my cholesterol down by going on the Mediterranean diet and increasing exercise.
In 2021 my doc wanted me on a statin but I resisted for about 6 months, said I’d try lifestyle changes (not Mediterranean diet then). No change in numbers, so went on a statin. Last summer, 2024, I took myself off the statin because I felt it might be making my memory worst. This time I tried Mediterranean & more exercise.

My general doctor doesn’t think the numbers are low enough. And the internist at MD Anderson agreed. But my doc decided to run a lipoprotein A test just to see. This test is being used more often to help determine the need for cholesterol lowering meds when there is a question. My lipoprotein is high, 87. So pretty much regardless of lipid panel testing scores, I’m going back on the statin. I am going to monitor my memory (if I remember, haha) this time and in 3 months if it’s affecting my memory we may need to look at other meds. There are a few diseases that scare me as I get older, Alzheimer’s is one. But living like a zombie because a drug is affecting my brain, is just as concerning.

I attached a screen shot of my lipid panel from 2021 and April 2025 if you’re interested to see. Interestingly my triglycerides are higher now. It’s always something!