If you have high cholesterol, you may be more inspired to lower it if you know exactly how it’s affecting your risk of developing heart disease.

In a study published in November, doctors gave some patients being treated for cholesterol problems a computer printout that detailed their chance of developing heart disease in the next eight years, based on their cholesterol, lifestyle, and other factors. The group receiving this information also learned more throughout the study on how their lifestyle changes or medications were lowering their risk of heart disease

The people who learned more about how their actions affected their risk had small but noticeable improvements in their cholesterol compared to the other group. It’s a good idea for your doctor to discuss this information with you, the researchers say. At your next visit, ask your doctor if you’re at risk for heart disease or a heart attack, and ask how you can take steps to lower your risk

Source: News services, Archives of Internal Medicine

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