Review the following 'Questions To Ask' about cholesterol so you're prepared to discuss this important health issue with your health care professional.

1. What is my overall risk for heart disease? Can we review my risk factors?

2. Why do I keep hearing about "good" and "bad" cholesterol? What are they?

3. What are triglycerides? What do they have to do with cholesterol?

4. What type of test best measures my cholesterol levels?

5. Will you explain the results of my cholesterol test?

6. If I have high LDL cholesterol, what lifestyle and dietary changes can I make to lower it?

7. What types of food should I avoid or add to my diet?

8. When and how often should I have my cholesterol level checked from now on?

9. Based on my cholesterol and other risk factors, am I a good candidate for a statin medication? What are the risks and benefits of using a statin?

10. Are there alternative medications I can take if I cannot or do not wish to use a statin?

11. If I have high blood cholesterol, are my children at risk for developing high blood cholesterol?

12. I have diabetes. How does it affect my risk for developing high cholesterol? Will it affect treatment?