LDL is an independent risk factor for heart disease and heart attack-related death. It is also a risk factor for stroke. Many large, randomized controlled, double-blinded studies (check out the ASTEROID or HPS) have demonstrated that lowering LDL, particularly with statins, will decrease heart related mortality. There is also good evidence for niacin and the fibrates. The new data you reference is the fact that a statin plus Zetia (ezetimibe) does lower LDL but does NOT show a decrease in mortality. So the people who make Vytorin are probably going to get their ***** sued. But I’d guess any licensed doctor will recommend you start a statin because at a level of 210, I don’t think you can reasonably get to your goal with diet and exercise alone (But I’d start there regardless). Hope that helps.

High blood cholesterol could be inherited. Therefore, if you are slim and walk everyday, then your cholesterol is due to hereditary factors. However, if you eat a lot of meats and fatty fried foods, your cholesterol could spike because of that also.

If I were you, I would try to lower that cholesterol naturally without drugs. The drugs they prescribe for cholesterol can damage the liver. There is a lot more I can get into, but check out the link below for more information.