Did your doctor recommend statins without having the LDL/HDL breakdown as well? If so, I'd find a new doctor. Assuming they DID know the numbers, it's important that you know them too before making a decision like this.

My chol is well over 200...probably about 250 or so. My triglycerides barely register (less than 45) and my HDL is so high that the ratio is significantly better than 'optimal'. Additionally, my LDL particle size is large, meaning that it's not the dangerous type. If I'd gone off my total only and started taking statins, I'd be adding a crazy risk, screwing up my beautiful lipid profile and wasting money for zero reason. It is very important to know the whole story and do your own research. Many doctors today are still touting the 'lower your cholesterol at all costs and avoid all saturated fats'....ideas that are outdated and frankly, in many cases (not all, mind you), flat out wrong.

This blog post (Chris Kresser) links to the 2014 study where they compiled all previous data and analyzed it again:
http://chriskresser.com/new-study-pu...disease-coffin