My bad cholesterol is 171. my total cholesterol is 235. my triglycerides are ok. i am 45 yrs old. how can i get this down without taking meds?

Big picture: Despite all the talk, cholesterol levels are mostly genetic and if your physician and maybe a second opinion agree a statin or something is in order, take advantage of living in the 21st century. If you feel you need a "natural" remedy, there's a red rice yeast that contains lovastatin. I trust you're eating sensibly and exercising and I'm glad to see you're managing your hyupertension.