yes. you have to take statins for life. life style changes are necessary but dont solve your cholesterol problem. there seems to be mystery behind the cholesterol theory of artery blockages. i believe statiins reduce inflammation of coronary arteries and reduce the chances for cholesterol to stick to artery walls. that statins reduce ldl is incidental. web md has not thrown any light on this shady area. i wish they say some thing on the "cholesterol myth".
query about taking statins. dear webmd. i am 46 little over weight but a good exerciser and total vegetarian. even than my cholestrol remains high. my doctor prescribed lipirex 10 mg per day. usually around one week my values come down well within normal. after that i usually stop medication on my own. on rechecking after about a month the values are back to high again. do i have to take the medication for life? i have no heart disease but a strong family history of heart disease. . thanks. faisal