PATIENT INFORMATION
Choosing not to take a statin
Thank you for telling us. We have recorded your decision, and you can change your mind at any time.
What we have done
We have noted that a statin was offered and that you would rather not start one now. Nothing else changes.
You will not be chased about it. Nobody will raise it as though you had not already decided.
We will mention it once more at your annual review. Your risk changes as you get older.
The right answer today may not be the right one in 5 years.
What still helps
Your chance of a heart attack or stroke is still worth lowering. These do that without a tablet.
Do
- stop smoking if you smoke, which helps more than anything else
- move more, aiming for 150 minutes a week that leaves you a bit out of breath
- swap butter, fatty meat and pastry for olive oil, oily fish, nuts, beans and oats
- keep to a healthy weight
- keep alcohol within 14 units a week
- have your blood pressure checked, because high blood pressure adds to the same risk
If you change your mind
Contact the surgery and say you would like to start the tablet.
We will prescribe it without another blood test, unless your last one is over a year old. You do not need an appointment, and you do not need to explain why.
Read about deciding on a statin again
Immediate action required: Call 999 now if you have:
- chest pain at rest, or chest pain lasting more than 15 minutes
- sudden weakness or numbness in the face or one arm
- sudden trouble speaking or understanding speech
Non-urgent advice: Contact the surgery if:
- you get chest pain or tightness when you walk uphill or hurry
- you become breathless doing things that were fine before
- a parent, brother or sister under 60 has a heart attack or stroke
More information
NHS.UKHigh cholesterol: causes, tests and treatmentwww.nhs.uk/conditions/high-cholesterol/ British Heart FoundationHigh cholesterol explainedwww.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/risk-factors/high-cholesterol
Reviewed 26 August 2026 ยท next review 26 February 2027