I had a cholesterol test recently as part of a series of blood tests I had to have for something completely different. My cholesterol was 8.0, so very high. I'm now on statins. My diet, exercise, etc were pretty good already, but I've made some extra changes. I also have slightly high blood pressure.
I'm going for another blood test and back to the GP in a few weeks once I've done 8 weeks on statins. I wondered if I should be asking for any other tests. I know high cholesterol puts me at higher risk of heart disease and strokes, so does that mean my arteries are clogged up and I should be asking for some kind of checks on my heart? A few of my near relatives have died quite young from strokes, which the GP is aware of, so I'm concerned that, even if I get the cholesterol down, there will still be a high risk, but I'm not sure if the cholesterol does actual damage or is it reversible if I get it down to a normal level? Can anyone help me to understand this, or suggest whether I should ask the GP for any other tests to check my heart is ok?