Last year, I was having some major back problems and not doing my cardio. I was getting ready to have surgery and went to my heart doctor for clearance, my total Cholesterol was 315, she prescribed me 10 mgs of Crestor and told me it was probably genetic and would most likely be on the highest dose (40 mgs), I laughed at her. I went home and started doing my cardio, 1/2 hour/day and cleaned up the diet some, got a better fish oil (Carlson Fish Oil). I did not start the Crestor and got the total down to 254 in a month naturally. I take the Crestor 3X per week and do not feel any ill effects and my Cholesterol ranges from 140s-180s now. I do notice if I am "on" my HDL and LDLs get out of range.