Cholesterol is a vital component of the body's cell membranes and serves many other functions. It is produced naturally in the body and comes from the food we eat. Many factors--both modifiable and non-modifiable--contribute to high cholesterol levels in the body which increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Diet
Poor dietary habits are a major factor leading to high cholesterol levels. Consuming too much saturated fat can increase LDL or bad cholesterol levels and is the main contributor to high cholesterol levels. High levels of saturated fat are found in red meats, whole or full-fat dairy products and fried foods, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. Trans fats--commonly found in vegetable oils, baked goods, sweets and fried foods--can also increase cholesterol levels. Cholesterol itself is found in certain foods such as eggs and cheese and also contributes to the body's cholesterol levels.
Weight and Physical Activity
Being overweight or engaging in little physical activity contributes to high cholesterol levels. Exercise has been shown to raise the body's HDL or good cholesterol levels and decrease bad cholesterol levels. Lack of exercise can also contribute to excess weight which tends to lower HDL levels and increase the levels of LDL and total cholesterol, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. The American College of Sports Medicine and the American Heart Association recommend moderately intense physical activity for 30 minutes a day most days of the week along with strength training exercise twice a week, for healthy individuals under the age of 65.
Genetic Factors
Not all risk factors for high cholesterol are modifiable through lifestyle changes. Non-modifiable risk factors such as genetics or family history, age and gender influence cholesterol levels. Close family members with coronary artery disease, high cholesterol or high lipid levels puts individuals at an increased risk of developing high cholesterol. An inherited condition called familial hypercholesterolemia can also cause individuals to have high levels of LDL or bad cholesterol. Men are more likely than women to have high cholesterol and the risk for high cholesterol goes up with increasing age, according to the website Medical News Today.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Risk Factors
- All-About-Lowering-Cholesterol: Causes of High Cholesterol
- e Health MD: What Causes High Blood Cholesterol?
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute: What Causes High Blood Cholesterol?
- Medical News Today: What is Cholesterol? What Causes High Cholesterol?
- American College of Sports Medicine: Physical Activity and Public Health Guidelines
