Hi Donna,
 
My husband was recently diagnosed with higher cholesterol levels also and the doc wanted to put him on Lipitor as well.  A friend of mine who is an RN and used to be a pharmaceutical rep, says if possible, its to be avoided as the side effects of this type of drug can be nasty.  First she told me you need to know the numbers.  Is this the high end of normal or so high that there is no other option but to go on the med?  She herself was on the high end of normal and has chosen natural means to lower her cholesterol.  We have been told by a mutual friend that one can lower their cholesterol by ingesting a spoon or two of freshly ground flaxseed daily.  It needs to be freshly ground and not in pill or liquid oil form according to this advice.  We have been on this regimen now for a few weeks and have yet to return to see if the tests come back with lower cholesterol. My hubby just sprinkles it on his oatmeal or cereal in the morning.  So I cannot personally vouch for its effectiveness as yet but we are very optimistic.  Hope this helps a little.