I am 45 years old, excersize regularly, 6 foot 2 and weigh 215-220.  I have good heart health and no family history of heart attacks or stroke.  I do have a family history of high cholesterol and had battled to remain medicine free for a number of years.  About two years ago I hit a cholestol level of 275 and we made the decision to go on a statin drug.  I currently take 40mg of Simvastatin nightly without any side effects.  My most recent blood numbers have been very good: 171 over all and the rest triglycerides, LDL, HDL, very good. The prior tests-since I've taken this drug-had shown improvements.

My question is: during the years that my levels were not good, did this create irreversable build up in my arteries?  Or, do these break down and disappear over time?  Could/should I lower the dosage (cut the table to 20mg)? Or can I stop taking it over time now that my diet and excersize habits are better?  Or am I destined to take these drugs for the rest of my life? Thanks.