[Host] When you're deciding whether to take a statin to lower your risk of heart attack and stroke, it can help to hear what other people thought about as they made their decision.
[Woman 1] "At my last checkup, my cholesterol numbers were a little high.
My doctor talked with me about my risk factors for a stroke or heart attack ...
like my cholesterol.
He said I didn't have to take a statin.
I could just eat better, exercise more, and get my weight down.
But my dad had high cholesterol, and he had a really bad stroke when he was not much older than I am.
I know I'll feel a lot better if I'm doing everything I can to not end up like my dad ...
so I am trying to lose some weight, but I'm taking a statin too."
[Man] "I always thought I was in good health ...
so I was surprised when I found out my cholesterol was high.
I don't like taking medicine, so I was happy to hear that I don't have to take a statin.
My doctor said I don't have any other problems that would raise my heart attack risk, like diabetes or high blood pressure.
So I can keep my risk low by eating better and getting more exercise.
I'm willing to make those changes if they can protect my heart and keep me from having to take pills."
[Woman 2] "I took a statin for a few months, but I felt like it made me tired ... so I stopped.
I told my doctor I quit taking the pills and why.
She said that with my cholesterol levels and my diabetes, I'm at high risk for a heart attack ...
so I really need a statin.
But there are lots of different statins, so we can probably find one that won't bother me.
Well, I do not want to have a heart attack, so I will definitely take this new medicine ...
and if it makes me feel bad, I'll tell my doctor and try another one."
[Host] Like the people you've just heard from, you have your own feelings about the pros and cons of taking a statin.
It's important to share those feelings with your doctor, so the two of you can talk them over ...
combine them with the medical facts ...
and choose the best treatment for you.
