What we have recorded, what still helps, and how to change your mind whenever you want to.

You have decided against a statin for now

Thank you for letting us know. That is your decision to make, and we have recorded it.

What we have done

We have noted in your record that a statin was offered and that you would rather not start one at the moment. Nothing else changes. You will not be chased about it, and nobody will raise it with you as though you had not already decided.

We will mention it once more at your annual review, because your risk changes as you get older and the answer that is right today may not be the right one in five years.

What still helps

Your risk of a heart attack or stroke is still worth lowering, and these do that without a tablet.

• Do not smoke. If you smoke, stopping is the single biggest thing you can do.
• Move more. Aim for 150 minutes a week of activity that leaves you a bit out of breath. Walking counts.
• Eat less saturated fat. Swap butter, fatty meat and pastry for olive or rapeseed oil, oily fish, nuts, beans and oats.
• Keep to a healthy weight, or lose a little if you are above it.
• Keep alcohol within 14 units a week.
• Get your blood pressure checked. High blood pressure adds to the same risk and is easy to miss.

If you change your mind

Contact the practice and say you would like to start the tablet. We will prescribe it without another blood test, unless your last one is more than a year old. You do not need an appointment and you do not need to explain why.

You can also read the decision page again at any time: deciding about a statin.

When to contact us

Contact the practice if you develop chest pain on exertion, new breathlessness, or if a close relative under 60 has a heart attack or stroke, because that changes the picture. Chest pain at rest, or sudden face, arm or speech changes: call 999.

More information

NHS.UKHigh cholesterol: causes, tests and treatmentchmg.co.uk/nhs-cholesterol - opens their website British Heart FoundationHigh cholesterol explainedchmg.co.uk/bhf-cholesterol - opens their website