Find a Doctor Find a Doctor
Time to see a specialist? Time to see a specialist?
We found [COUNT] Specialists
who treat [INTEREST]
near [LOCATION]
We found [COUNT] Specialists
who treat [INTEREST]
near [LOCATION]
[TELEHEALTH] offer Telehealth options.
More
Your Guide to Lowering High Cholesterol

This content is created by Healthgrades and brought to you by an advertising sponsor. More

This content is created or selected by the Healthgrades editorial team and is funded by an advertising sponsor. The content is subject to the Healthgrades medical review process for accuracy, balance and objectivity. The content is not edited or otherwise influenced by the advertisers appearing on this page except with the possible suggestion of the broad topic area. For more information, read the Healthgrades advertising policy.
At Your Appointment

High Cholesterol Appointment Guide

Ask the right questions at your next doctor’s appointment. Answer two questions below to personalize your appointment guide.
  • Please describe the symptoms and issues you’re having that led you to schedule this online appointment. Start at the beginning of this current episode and tell me how and when things have changed and progressed.
  • How often do you forget or miss a dose of your cholesterol medicine?
  • When was your last liver function test?
  • Have you had any muscle or joint pain?
  • What changes have you made to your diet?
  • How often are you exercising? Have you recently lost weight?
  • Have you experienced chest pain or any other symptoms of heart problems?
  • Does anyone in your family have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart disease, death due to heart disease, or stroke?
  • Describe your diet. How often do you eat red meat? How often do you eat whole grains or fresh fruits and vegetables?
  • What other medical conditions do you have, such as diabetes?
  • How often are you exercising? Have you recently lost weight?
  • Do you smoke? How much? When did you start smoking?
  • When was your last fasting cholesterol test?
  • What side effects are you experiencing with your cholesterol medicine?
  • What treatments have you tried so far to lower your cholesterol?
  • How do you diagnose high cholesterol?
  • What are the optimal cholesterol levels for me?
  • Do I have risk factors for high cholesterol?
  • How do you treat high cholesterol?
  • What are the possible complications of high cholesterol?
  • Do I need to take medicines for my high cholesterol or can I manage it with other strategies?
  • What changes do I need to make to my diet?
  • How much exercise should I be getting? What kinds of physical activity is best for me?
  • What is the best medication for my type of high cholesterol? What are the side effects?
  • How often do I need to repeat a cholesterol test? Do I need other types of testing?
  • Do I have other risk factors for heart disease or stroke?
  • Could another cholesterol medicine treat my high cholesterol better or with fewer side effects?
  • What is the best treatment plan for my high cholesterol?
Was this helpful?
174
Last Review Date: 2018 Dec 20
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.
  1. High Cholesterol. American Academy of Family Physicians. https://familydoctor.org/condition/cholesterol/
  2. High Cholesterol. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/diagnosis-treatment/drc-203508...