I actually need to know this too. Sorry I can't be of help.

I have worked in cardiology for about 4 years. The prividers would almost always suggest to be on the south beach diet. And take a lot of omega 3s. I wouldn't start off with a statin just because you have high cholesterol. I have high cholesterol but my arteries are 100% cleared of any plaque. Depending on your age I would get a calcium score tests first. And see your doctor of course. The biggest side-effect from what I understand is the major possibility of getting cramps while being on s statin.

They can start you off on a low dose statin 1OMG to see how your body responds I had the same problem my body didn't take well to the statins like I said the injections are only once a month but expensive you have to talk to doctor about what's best for you omega 3s are for triglycerides your ldl is where the bad cholesterol starts its checked in a lipid pannel blood test any doctor would start any patient off with statins for high cholesterol

I would highly recommend changing your diet and exercise first. Most of the time they would suggest that first before willy nilly throwing you on a statin. But the main thing here is see your doctor and see what they would recommend.

Fish oil and changing diet and exercise is good for lowering it, best part is fish oil will help raise your good cholesterol