title: Ask the Doctor: Ive read about the new guidelines for cholesterol and, like almost everyone I know, my LDL cholesterol is above the "optimal" level of less than 100 mg/dL. For someone like me, with an LDL level of 145 mg/dL but no other major risk factors and no known heart disease, the guidelines encourage diet and lifestyle changes to lower my LDL. What I don't understand is why I shouldn't just go on a statin?
mesh_terms: D002784:Cholesterol; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL; D004032:Diet; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008019:Life Style; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D008078:Cholesterol, LDL; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D002784:Cholesterol