Questions to ask Your Doctor about High Blood Cholesterol

• What are the values for the following components of my lipid profile:

  • total cholesterol?
  • LDL ("bad") cholesterol?
  • HDL ("good") cholesterol?
  • triglycerides?

• How many risk factors do I have for coronary artery disease?

• Based on the number of risk factors, am I considered to be at either "very high risk" or "moderately high risk" for coronary artery disease?
• What is the cause of my high blood cholesterol?
• What dietary and lifestyle modifications do you recommend to lower my cholesterol levels?
• At what point will cholesterol-lowering medications be required?
• What are the possible side-effects of cholesterol-lowering medications?
• How often do I need to come in for a blood test to check my cholesterol levels?
• I'm a smoker. What resources are available to help me quit?