Don't be truly hung up on the number. What is your level, and what is your HDL, LDL, VLDL, total, and ratios. Did you fast 12 hours prior to you test? What is family history, ie cardiovascular disease? Any other conditons such as liver disorders or diabetes? These all should be taken into account before you are put on meds. Aerobic exercise and diet have helped alot of people lower it. I know some people have cut there cholesterol a 100 points by doing Atkins or other low car diets. Some people can "handle' higher choletserol than others. I have an uncle whose chlosterol is 350 and he is 85. Hid doctor wanted to put him on mecication, and he said what I am I going to live longer. Go figure. If diet and exercise don't work use whatever meds your doc has best success with. Just keep an eye on side effects.