About Cholesterol and Triglycerides
High cholesterol levels put you at risk for heart disease and cardiovascular problems such as heart attack and stroke. Cholesterol is a waxy substance that is produced by the liver, but we get most of the cholesterol in our blood through the foods that we eat. Cholesterol can build up in the blood vessels if we produce and consume more than we use, and it causes the vessels to be narrow and difficult for blood to pass through. Triglycerides are fats in the blood that act in a similar way, clogging blood vessels if there are more in your blood than your body can use and store.
Diet
The foods that you eat are a major cause of high cholesterol and triglyceride levels. The more fat that you eat, the more ends up circulating in your blood, because your body just can't use it all. Eating a diet rich in carbohydrates, saturated fats and trans fats can boost levels of fats in your blood. Eating cholesterol-rich foods like meats, cheese and other dairy products and egg yolks can also increase your cholesterol levels, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute.
Lifestyle
Many of the common causes of high cholesterol and triglyceride levels are based on your lifestyle, reports the NHLBI. Obesity and being overweight, a sedentary lifestyle (without enough exercise), drinking a lot of alcohol and taking medications like oral contraceptives, steroids and diuretics can increase the levels of fat and cholesterol in your blood. Health conditions such as diabetes, lupus, diseases of the liver, thyroid diseases and kidney disease can also increase cholesterol and triglyceride levels, according to eMedTV.
Family History
You can't always control your risk of developing high cholesterol and triglycerides; sometimes, it's in your genes. A family history of these health conditions can indicate a genetic link that predisposes you to having high cholesterol and triglycerides. The NHLBI also notes that men tend to have higher cholesterol levels than women until about the age of 55, after which it is about the same.
