I have bad family history and take Lipitor and have at least 10 yr.s, it works for me. I have controlled high blood pressure. Medicines are sometimes a must. Hubby has high blood pressure and is able to keep his cholestrol lower, he eats oatmeal most weeks 6 days, his family history is good. Your liver also makes cholestrol, you can only control it so much. Become a vegetarian and exercise, that seems to cure lots of things.