49F - 267 total cholesterol.

49F. Just found out that my total cholesterol is 267 and my doctor says that's too high. I had a CAC two months ago and it was 0. I eat mostly whole food plant based with fish a couple of times per week. I've eaten this way for 25+ years. I don't drink, I don't smoke, I only drink black coffee in the mornings and water the rest of the day. I don't drink sodas, I don't eat fried food, I haven't had red meat in 28 years. I could definitely improve in the area of exercise but how much of a difference would that realistically make? I could stand to lose about 20 pounds. My doctor is talking about a statin and I just really don't want to do that. Any tips? Thanks!

Also, I've always heard people say that once you go on a statin, you're on a statin for life. Is that true?