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?
2Do statins cause muscle pain?
3Do I need to fast before my cholesterol test?
4What if a statin isn't enough to lower my cholesterol?
5Can I lower cholesterol with diet instead of medication?
Explore
Related Treatments
Antihypertensive Therapy
Personalized blood pressure medication management using ACE inhibitors, ARBs, beta-blockers, and diuretics to protect heart and kidney health in LA.
Learn moreAntiplatelet Therapy (Aspirin / Clopidogrel)
Antiplatelet medication management for patients at risk of cardiovascular events, coordinated with cardiology when indicated in LA.
Learn moreAlcohol Reduction Counseling
Motivational counseling and referral for patients with harmful alcohol use patterns, integrated into primary care visits in LA.
Learn moreAntibiotic Therapy (Acute Infections, UTI)
Targeted antibiotic prescribing based on culture results and clinical guidelines for infections including UTIs and respiratory illness in LA.
Learn more
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.
Schedule a Consultation