My doctor said I had high cholesterol and put me on Zocor. I don't know how bad it is? Details inside?

[Nicole M]

I went to the doctors today and he told me my cholesterol was high. . But he didn't give me a number. I didn't even know there were numbers until my mom told me on the phone a couple minutes ago. He put me on Zocor and then told me I needed to go to a nutritionist about dieting. He said to watch what I eat for 4 weeks and then when I went in for my next appointment he would put me on Adipex. I heard that you can't have real high cholesterol and be on diet pills. Does that just mean I need to watch what I eat (cut down on red meat) and take my pills? I can't go on the diet of brown rice, egg white substitutes and tofu. It's not possible. Was anyone at where I am right now? I know that I could just wait till the morning and call them and they will tell me my number. I just figure that if he is talking about putting me on Adipex (diet pill) that it must not be borderline diabetic, right? Please explain to me what you know and things I can do to lower my cholesterol? Please Help!!! I really need it. I am going nuts

[tinmuning]

Total normal levels of cholesterol should be under 200. 200 to 239 is borderline high; and 240 and higher is considered high. Ideally, you should be shown your lab results which shows your present cholesterol levels. Any pertinent findings should be explained to you fully. I don't know why your doctor didn't do this.

One cannot expect to change your diet drastically, but you can at least gradually change it and be more conscious of what food you should avoid.

[Nicole M]

Thank you for your helpful reply. I will watch my diet from now on.