Mayo Clinic Minute: Statins plus lifestyle equals healthy life

Taking a statin helps keep your cholesterol levels in check.

How can that be? Dr. Stephen Kopecky explains that some people ask to be put on a statin.

That's because statins, while important and effective, are just one part of the whole heart-healthy picture. When you combine a statin with regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, controlling stress, not smoking and eating foods based on the Mediterranean diet, you can improve your heart health.

Dr. Kopecky says if you work in lifestyle changes slowly over time, you'll be on your way to better heart health.

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