Lowering cholesterol is important.
I know some people are against taking cholesterol lowering drugs, but I think at least individual reactions vary.
My Mother took Lipitor for many years, no bad side effects.
Crestor is another good one, that I understand does not have bad side effects.
I take Crestor. Have some leg pain. If you have a family history and think it is necessary, ask the Dr to let you try the lowest dose and recheck in a few months. Possible your attention to diet and very low dose will work out. Sometimes the doctors start you out with a bigger dose than you may need.