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Patient Education

Statin & Lipid-Lowering Therapy

Personalized, evidence-based cholesterol management to protect your heart for the long term.

How Statin Therapy Works

Statins work by reducing how much cholesterol your liver makes, which lowers the LDL particles that build up in artery walls over time. Lower LDL means slower plaque formation and a measurably reduced risk of cardiovascular events.

Dr. Golian reviews your lipid panel alongside your blood pressure, family history, and conditions such as type 2 diabetes to decide whether a statin, a non-statin agent, or a combination best fits your risk profile. When a statin alone isn't enough, additional lipid-lowering medications can be layered in.

Because this is a membership-based Direct Primary Care practice in Los Angeles, you get unhurried visits to discuss the why behind every prescription.

How to Prepare for Treatment

Before starting therapy, Dr. Golian typically orders a baseline cholesterol panel and a complete metabolic panel to check liver function. A blood draw is coordinated for you, often after a brief fast depending on the test.

Bring a current list of all your medications and supplements so we can complete a medication reconciliation and avoid interactions. Let us know about any muscle aches, liver concerns, or pregnancy plans, as these guide the choice and dose.

After You Start: Monitoring & Follow-Up

After beginning therapy, a follow-up lipid panel is usually repeated within a few weeks to a few months to confirm your LDL is responding to the chosen dose.

Dr. Golian monitors for side effects such as muscle discomfort and checks liver labs when indicated, adjusting your regimen as needed. Statins work best alongside a lifestyle modification plan, and we coordinate including Cedars-Sinai specialists if your cardiovascular risk warrants additional evaluation.

Who May Benefit

  • Elevated LDL cholesterol that hasn't responded to diet and exercise alone
  • A personal history of heart attack, stroke, or known cardiovascular disease
  • Diabetes with additional cardiovascular risk factors
  • A strong family history of early heart disease
  • An elevated calculated 10-year cardiovascular risk score

Frequently Asked Questions

1Will I have to take a statin for the rest of my life?
Often statins are a long-term therapy because the cardiovascular protection continues only while LDL stays low. Dr. Golian reviews your need at every visit, and in some cases lifestyle changes allow for a lower dose.
2Do statins cause muscle pain?
Some people notice muscle aches, but true statin-related muscle problems are uncommon. If you experience discomfort, let Dr. Golian know — switching the type, adjusting the dose, or other strategies usually resolves it.
3Do I need to fast before my cholesterol test?
It depends on the panel ordered. Dr. Golian will tell you in advance whether to fast, and your blood draw is coordinated for you locally in Los Angeles.
4What if a statin isn't enough to lower my cholesterol?
Several non-statin lipid-lowering medications can be added to reach your LDL target. Dr. Golian tailors the combination to your risk and coordinates including Cedars-Sinai cardiology when specialist input is helpful.
5Can I lower cholesterol with diet instead of medication?
For some people, a structured lifestyle modification plan meaningfully lowers LDL. Whether that's enough depends on your overall cardiovascular risk, which Dr. Golian assesses with you before deciding on medication.

Take Control of Your Cholesterol with Statin & Lipid-Lowering Therapy

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Golian to review your numbers and build a heart-protective plan tailored to you.

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Medical Disclaimer

The information on this site is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reading this site does not create a doctor–patient relationship. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personal guidance. If this is an emergency, call 911. Mentions of medications, devices, or procedures are informational and not endorsements. Full medical disclaimer.

Some listed indications involve investigational/off-label use. Learn more.