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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It's not easy to alter your lifestyle and take cholesterol-lowering medication, especially when you don't feel any symptoms. 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: 10/31/2006
Reviewed By: Alan Greene, M.D., F.A.A.P., Department of Pediatrics, Packard Children's Hospital, Stanford University School of Medicine; Chief Medical Officer, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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