Ideally, the Plan is all you need to bring your cholesterol levels into the “safe” zone and reduce your risk of heart disease. But for some people it won’t be enough. If your doctor suggests that you take a prescription drug, don’t get upset. It doesn’t mean you’ve failed, nor does it mean you should stop following the Plan. Rather, it means you need a bit of help. Maybe you have a genetic predisposition to high cholesterol. In that case, making dietary changes, getting more exercise, and even taking supplements simply might not do the trick. So be thankful for the cholesterol-lowering drugs now available.
One major reason people live longer today than they did 50 years ago ts the plethora of safe, effective medications at our disposal. True, all drugs have potential side effects, but so does crossing the street. Chosen wisely, medication is much more likely to contribute to your health, well-being, and longevity than to cause harm
However—and this is critical—taking medication does give you permission to dump the Plan and start living on steak and potato chips. One major study found that only half of those people taking a cholesterol-lowering drug alone reached their cholesterol goals, compared to 80 percent of those who followed a diet and took medication. (Imagine the percentage if the researchers had also considered weight loss and exercise!) Also continue taking your supplements (make sure your doctor knows what you’re taking). Depending on the supplernents you’re using and the medication prescribed, vou may be able to get by with a lower dose of the drug.
