Sorry just one more question.. my doctor prescribed 20mg of simvastatin as I am to begin a course of isotretinoin for acne, I am concerned that I will not be able to go off the statin once started.. is this a possibility? As I have heard that once you start on cholesterol medication it is lifelong.
Cholesterol goals, and specifically LDL goals are based on risk factors (age, smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, known coronary artery disease to name a few). A young person with no risk factors, goal LDL is currently less then 160 mg/dl. These goals change as your risk factors do. Cholesterol levels are dependent on genetics (urnmodifiable) as well as diet and exercise (both extremely modifiable).