Marsha in Texas wrote:

>          I had a heart attack in May of this year. My doctors want me
>          to take cholesterol lowering drugs even tho studies have shown
>          people w/Post Polio Syndrome [like myself] can suffer permanent
>          muscle loss and very intense fatigue from taking the meds!

These drugs can also cause very significant depression.  A family member
of mine became suicidal on them.
* How high is your cholesterol?  How many times did you have it tested?
   Cholesterol tests are not very reliable, and making the decision to take the
   medication should be based on more than one test.
* Are you eating a paleo diet?  low-carb?  My cholesterol dropped by 45 points
  when I went paleo and low-carb (from 200 to 155).  Though others on this list
  had their cholesterol go up, when eating low-carb, but more meat than I eat.
  It is vitally important to stay off sugars.
* raw garlic is supposed to help lower cholesterol
* there is also little evidence that women or elderly people get much benefit
  from lower cholesterol

Doctors get a lot of information and pressure from drug companies to push
this stuff onto people.  I'd be more impressed with some really strong studies
showing a benefit.

Don't be in a hurry.  Do some investigation of your own.  When you find a
well-researched paper, copy it and take it in to your doctor so you can talk
about it.  If you can't talk to your doctor, try a different doctor.

My 2c worth, anyway.....  good luck and kind thoughts whatever you decide

Lynnet