Hi PAYNE1 - do you think the cholesterol is diet related, genetic predisposition or both?? Maybe consult with a dietician and see where you're getting the extra cholesterol? My mother passed after several strokes - was disabled for 7 yrs. She was very slim but smoked, didn't exercise and she liked butter and fat on steaks. After she passed I became well versed in healthy eating. We only have red meat once a weak, no butter, eat one vegetarian meal and eat fish /chicken more.