There are too many conflicting studies and the doctors only listen to the drug company studies which represent a conflict of interest. My cholesterol numbers are similar but my good cholesterol is a little lower.

I took a statins for two months and I lost muscle mass, my face became drawn, and I lost energy (and developed more back problems that may or may not have been associated with the statins) before quitting it. Now, I have regained the fullness in my face and my energy is back to normal, but my cholesterol is back in the 260s.

Now my cardiologist is trying to get me to take another statin but I had second thoughts about it after realizing it was basically the same thing that I took before. I need my cholesterol.

I am lowering my stress and I am now going tanning (responsibly). Tanning uses cholesterol to make Vitamin D. I would like my cholesterol to be in the 240 range but not any lower.

I see a cardiologist because I have a floppy mitral valve which has nothing to do with cholesterol, but has everything to do with the arthritis I've been fighting since age 23. I am 53 now and still fighting it with good exercise and healthy food, at 112 lbs. The doctors will not even address this issue because there is no money to be made on it.

I have enough education to make an informed decision and I say "NO" to statins.