Leelee53,

Thanks for your question.  Though your husband's results are just above normal, there may be other factors that his doctor is considering when making his recommendation.  Does he have any other risk factors for heart disease?  These include: family history of heart disease; high blood pressure; diabetes; and, smoking.  If there are other risk factors, then the "normal" for you husband would be much lower.  Doctors are very agressive in treating elevated cholesterol, knowing that it is a major risk for developing heart disease. 

Looking for other ways to lower cholesterol?  Well, you've come to the perfect place.  This website is loaded with information and advice on lowering Cholesterol.  Please go to the "Manage" section above and click on each of the headings.  There are informational sites on cholesterol, as well as dietary tips on improving Cholesterol. 

Sounds like you're doing a great job in the healthy eating department, but a few tweaks would be helpful.  Try to avoid all red meats.  Avoid fried foods.  Remove the skin off the chicken, and white meat is lower in cholesterol than dark meat.  You can't go wrong with fish, as long as it is prepare in a way that is low in fats.  A regular exercise program would also be beneficial for his cholesterol, which would increase his HDL (or good cholesterol). 

Again, please utilized this website, and hopefully, your husband can avoid medication.

Best wishes.

Martin Cane, M.D.