As you work to lower your cholesterol over the next 30 days, work to understand all you can about cholesterol and cholesterol treatments.

Research and knowledge will make you more able to take the steps you need to lower your cholesterol.

Come prepared for appointments.  Do your research ahead of time, so that you do not spend the limited time you have with health care professionals asking basic questions such as “what is cholesterol” which you can find elsewhere.  Spend the time with your doctor raising concerns, asking for cholesterol information that is relevant to your particular case, and getting instructions.

One excellent way to be prepared to speak with your doctor is to keep a journal about your heart health and cholesterol.  Once your doctor determines that you have elevated levels of bad cholesterol, buy a plain notebook.  In it, keep the facts and information you find about your medication, cholesterol, and treatments. 

Note down important contact numbers - including contact information for your doctor. Keep track of all the things you do each day - including diet, exercise, and medical treatments - that may affect your cholesterol.  In each day’s entry, also note any unusual symptoms or concerns you may have.  Keep a running list of questions you may want to ask your doctor at your next appointment. Note the progress you are making.  Bring this journal with you when you visit your doctor.  It will prove invaluable to your health care processionals in helping you develop a form of treatment that works for you.

Keeping a journal of your eating, exercise, lifestyle changes, and cholesterol-lowering progress is an important step as you lower your cholesterol over the next 30 days.

The most important thing about keeping lines of communication open with your doctor is to keep trying.  Show up for appointments, voice your ideas, and follow the directions your doctor gives you. 

If you are having trouble following a specific cholesterol-lowering treatment - whether it is because of side effects or lack of motivation - be frank with your doctor about this.  Your doctor needs to understand what you are not doing that may be affecting your treatment.  Often, your health care professional will be able to give you some tips for making the treatment more realistic for you or may be able to offer an alternative treatment for controlling your cholesterol.

Always be sure to tell your doctor about all medication, herbal treatments, vitamins, and over the counter products you are taking.  These can affect your cholesterol medication and can also affect some medical tests.