I never had a Cholesterol test till 10 minutes after Getting to the A&E after a severe Angina attack. Cholesterol level was not that high but we have a different method of measuring over here so can't quote a figure to relate with. I was put on statins to cut the level but even with a good diet and cycling the cholesterol level is rising so the dose has just recently been upped. There is a History of heart problems within my family.


I can tell you now and from experience- The pain and side effects of a cholesterol lowering drug is nowhere near the pain and after effects of a Bypass. But I was lucky in that I was given the chance of the bypass. My riding mate didn't have the chance when he died of a heart attack two years later on a bike ride. He was another one that did not realise that high cholesterol was dangerous.