I have high cholesterol,
I’m on a statin, and I constantly communicate with my doctor.”
Thank you!
Answering a few simple questions can help ensure you’re on a statin that fits your unique needs
Help empower your cholesterol conversation by completing this short questionnaire. The customized Discussion Guide generated by your answers may help identify factors that could be relevant for your next conversation with your doctor.
1 Did you know that certain factors can increase your risk for heart disease? That’s why it’s so important to tell your doctor if any of the risk factors below apply to you. (check all that apply)
2 In addition to having high cholesterol, are you also of Asian descent?
3 Please indicate if you’re taking any of the following medications in addition to your statin. It’s important to tell your doctor about other prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, because certain medications may interact with some statins. (check all that apply)
4 Do you have concerns about the statin you’re currently taking, or have you stopped taking a statin altogether?
The Doctor Discussion Guide can be found below. Print this out and bring it with you to help you have an informative and productive conversation during your next doctor’s appointment. Discussing factors specific to you and your individual concerns can help your doctor prescribe a statin that works best for your unique needs.
I have these risk factors for heart disease:
Abnormal blood cholesterol levels (dyslipidemia)
High blood pressure (hypertension)
Tendency to develop blood clots
Type 2 diabetes
Overweight
Sedentary lifestyle
High-fat, high-cholesterol diet
Cigarette smoking
Discuss with your doctor:
It's important to understand how certain factors can affect your risk for heart disease. The more risk factors you have, and how severe each risk factor is, can increase your chance of developing coronary heart disease—a common term for the buildup of plaque in the arteries that could lead to a heart attack or stroke. Be sure to talk to your doctor about any of these risk factors that specifically apply to you.
In addition to having high cholesterol, I am also of Asian descent.
Discuss with your doctor:
Certain statins may not be appropriate for some people of Asian descent, and some other statins require dose adjustments for some people of Asian descent. These considerations could impact which statin is most appropriate for you.
I am taking these medications/supplements in addition to a statin:
A calcium channel blocker
Warfarin
Over-the-counter medications
Vitamins
Herbal supplements
Share with your doctor:
Information about all other medications you take in addition to a statin, including prescription and over-the-counter medications and herbal supplements. Certain statins have a reduced potential for drug interactions with specific medications, so be sure to talk to your doctor about all the other medications and supplements you take. Providing this information will help your doctor select a statin that has reduced potential for drug interactions with the other medications you take and minimize the chance of side effects that sometimes result from drug interactions.
I have concerns or have stopped taking my statin.
Tell your doctor:
If you are experiencing any concerns or are dissatisfied with your statin. Be sure to mention any of the above considerations that can impact your statin treatment as this can help your doctor determine if a different statin would be better for you. Remember, not all statins are the same; don’t stop taking your statin without talking with your doctor first—your heart health depends on it!
I do not currently have concerns and have not stopped taking my statin.
Keep in mind:
While you currently aren’t having concerns about your statin, if you do in the future, be sure to talk with your doctor before stopping your statin. Not all statins are the same; there are different statins available, and having an open discussion can help your doctor determine which statin may be right for you.
Print your Doctor Discussion Guide
Enough about me. Talk to your doctor and find the right statin for you. Deal?”
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