My total cholesterol is over 200, but my 'risk' of future heart attack is 4.1%.  My ratio of good to bad cholesterol is good.  I have not eaten red meats for over 35 years, exercise daily, eat a very healthy diet, probably am genetically doomed to cholesterol issues and I have tried some prescription medications to lower my cholesterol.  A few years ago, I took Pravachol without any issues....then Zocor came out and my doctor convinced me to switch to it.  Bottom line:  I cannot take any statin drugs...muscle weakness (aka rhabdomyolysis.)  I took a year off medication and then 'buckled' to my doctor's choice of Zetia for me to start.  Same thing happened...yikes!  I started a daily regime of taking plant sterols marketed by Nature Made as Cholest-Off.  Does anyone have any knowledge about this issue to share with me?  Diana