Here are some questions that you might want to ask:

• Do I need to have my cholesterol checked?
• Do I need to change my diet? If so, what should I eat? What should I avoid eating?
• Do I need to do anything else, such as exercising more?
• Do I need to lose weight?
• What's the best treatment for me?
• Do I need to take medication?
• What are the side effects of treatment?
• By how much will treatment lower my cholesterol?
• Do I need to take vitamins or any other supplements?
• What are my risk factors for heart disease?
• What treatment should I have for these risk factors?
• What about my family? Are they at risk of having high cholesterol or another lipid disorder?
• How can I find out if my lipid disorder is inherited?
• If you give me medication to lower my cholesterol, what is the target level you are aiming for?
• Do I need to stop smoking?

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment. ©BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2008. All rights reserved.