* UPDATE


Cholesterol Recheck


You need to have your cholesterol levels retested. Testing is often done at the start of treatment, six to eight weeks after starting a new statin or new LDL-lowering therapy, and periodically after that point based on your provider’s advice (testing may be done within a few months or just once a year).


Talk With Your Healthcare Team


As with starting any medication, it’s important that you share your concerns with your provider. Questions you may want to ask: v Why are you recommending this treatment? v How much more will it lower my cholesterol and my risk for


32


having a heart attack or a stroke?


v How will I know if the medication is working? v Are there certain side effects that I should watch for? What should I do if I notice any?


v How often do I need to have my cholesterol checked? v What else can I be doing to lower my chances of having a stroke or a heart attack?


v Will my insurance cover the treatment, especially the more expensive, newer drugs?


For more information on controlling cholesterol and protecting your heart, visit CardioSmart.org/HighCholesterol.


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