I am one of those people who cannot tolerate statin medications. My doctor allowed me to try lowering my numbers through diet and exercise. Doing that, I was able to lower my numbers a little bit. So, I began taking a natural oral supplement composed of Bergamot, Red Yeast Rice, Soursop and Vitamins B and C. After having taken it daily for a little over a month, my numbers had improved by 25 points at my next doctor visit. Although Red Yeast Rice purportedly has some of the same side effects as many statin drugs, so far, I have NOT experienced any of the muscle pain/weakness, brain fog, etc. associated with statins. I will continue taking it unless and until I experience any of those side effects. Time will tell.