Patient Guide
Cholesterol & Statins
What the numbers mean — and what statins actually do
1 in 3Australian adults have raised cholesterol
25%lower heart-attack risk per mmol/L cholesterol drop
Decadesof safety data — statins are well-studied
What you actually need to know
LDL is the one to lower
LDL (the 'bad') cholesterol drives plaque. HDL (the 'good') and triglycerides matter, but LDL is the main target.
Your target depends on you
Most adults aim under 2.0; if you've had a heart event, your GP will aim much lower — the higher your risk, the lower we go.
Food helps, but only so far
Mediterranean-style eating can drop LDL by 10–15%. For higher risk, that often isn't enough on its own.
Genes matter too
Some people inherit high cholesterol no matter how well they eat. That's not failure — it's just genetics, and treatable.
Statins protect — a lot
They lower LDL by 30–50%+, and cut heart attacks and strokes by about a quarter for every mmol/L drop.
Backups exist too
Ezetimibe and newer options work alongside or instead of statins if needed. There's almost always a path forward.
Statins and muscle pain — the honest version Studies show muscle aches happen at almost the same rate on statin and placebo — much of it is expectation, not the drug. If you do get symptoms, don't just stop. Tell us — switching the statin or the dose works for most people.
What helps your numbers — and your heart
Mediterranean-style eating
Olive oil, fish, nuts, beans, lots of veg. Drops LDL and lowers heart risk even before the numbers shift much.
Move regularly
30 minutes most days — walking counts. Raises good cholesterol and lowers triglycerides.
Lose a few kilos
5–10% weight loss improves all your lipid numbers and your blood pressure at the same time.
Less saturated & trans fat
Cut back on fatty processed meats, fried foods and pastries. Swap to nuts, fish, olive oil and lean protein.
If you smoke, stop
Quitting raises your good cholesterol and is one of the biggest heart wins you can give yourself.
Take statins consistently
Once daily, usually with your evening meal. Skipping doses lets the numbers — and risk — drift back up.
See your doctor if you have:
- New muscle pain or weakness that won't settle
- Dark urine, or feeling unusually tired or unwell
- Yellowing of skin or eyes (rare, but worth flagging)
- Side effects making you want to stop — talk first
Your next steps:
- Recheck your cholesterol 6–12 weeks after any change
- Ask about your overall heart risk score
- Pick one Mediterranean swap to start this week
- Don't stop a statin without checking with us first
Not the enemy — the safety net
Lifestyle does a lot. A small daily tablet handles the rest, quietly. Most patients who once feared statins end up wishing they'd started sooner.
— Dr Regu
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Print-ready A4 PDF to take home or hand to a patient.
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