Hypercholesterolemia is not a term many people are familiar with--high cholesterol is. As the Mayo Clinic explains, this condition is not only treatable, but preventable. Recognizing the risk factors for this condition is only one piece of the puzzle; the other piece is making the necessary changes.
Smoking
Good cholesterol--also known as HDL--helps reduce levels of bad cholesterol--LDL--by carrying t from the bloodstream and to the liver, where it can then be excreted from the body. Smoking can lower the levels of HDL, interfering with its ability to perform as effectively.
Smoking damages the walls of the blood vessels, increasing the likelihood of fatty deposits accumulating in them, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Genetics
High cholesterol may run in families, as certain genes may impact a person's LDL, HDL and triglyceride levels. HealthCentral states that when premature heart disease runs in a family, children from these families should undergo cholesterol testing at the age of two.
For parents or siblings who develop heart disease prior to age 55, the risk of developing heart disease due to high cholesterol levels are greater than average, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Poor Eating Habits
Saturated fats and cholesterol typically go hand-in-hand, and are found in foods such as red meats and high-fat dairy products. Fried foods contain large amounts of trans fats, as do baked goods and pastries. Cutting back on these foods and replacing them with fresh fruits and vegetables can reduce cholesterol levels significantly.
Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, increase the risk of a person developing high cholesterol. When blood pressure is high, the extra force on artery walls damages the arteries; this accelerates the build up of fatty deposits in the arteries.
People with diabetes face a greater risk of high cholesterol due to high blood sugar levels. The high blood sugar damages the lining of the arteries, but increases LDL cholesterol while lowering HDL cholesterol.
