By the way, doctor: Should I take a statin?
Q. My cholesterol numbers are as follows: Total — 220; HDL — 82 (it's been anywhere from 75 to 85 for the last 20 years); LDL — 130; total-to-HDL ratio — 2.7. I'm 85, and the heart doctor wants to put me on a statin. I feel great; I'm not overweight, and I don't have any heart problems. I don't take any medications except a daily 81-mg baby aspirin. Do I need to take a statin?
A. If you've reached the age of 85 without any evidence of disease from atherosclerosis, I can't say I would be pushing a statin on you.
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