I am 58 and have a total cholesterol level of 7.9.I have had fairly high cholesterol since my early 50’s but have been able to get the level down a few times by being very strict with diet and exercise.

High cholesterol runs in both sides of my family, but there is no history of heart disease or stroke in anyone under 80.
All my other regular health tests are very good, liver, kidneys, blood sugar etc.I follow a very healthy diet and I am slim and fit, running regularly.I feel great.

My doctor wants me to go on statins. I do not want to.I was recently on a medication for stress(I am a carer)which can elevate your cholesterol, and since being on it my levels have shot up again where before they were going down. I am able to go off the stress meds now so hoping it will make a difference.

I have read a lot about cholesterol and medications and I don’t like the sound of the side effects and still can’t see myself as being at any particular risk, so I have made the decision not to go on medication.