According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), cholesterol is a fat-like substance that is needed to produce hormones, Vitamin D and digestive substances. More than 98 million Americans suffer from high blood cholesterol according the American Heart Association.
Diet
Foods high in saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol raise your blood cholesterol level. Reduce consumption of hydrogenated oils, meat, dairy products and baked goods.
Weight
According to the NHLBI, being overweight and obese raises LDL (bad cholesterol) and lowers HDL (good cholesterol), causing a higher level of cholesterol in the blood.
Physical Activity
Lack of physical activity can not only lead to high levels of cholesterol stemming from obesity, but it can also lead to high blood pressure and heart disease.
Age and Genetics
Cholesterol levels increase as the body ages. After the age of 55, women have higher levels of cholesterol than men according to the NHBLI. High cholesterol is also inherited.
Symptoms
According to the Mayo Clinic, high cholesterol has no symptoms. Only a blood test can diagnose high levels of cholesterol.
