Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in some foods and also produced by the liver. Although it's essential for the production of hormones and other biological processes, an excess can build up in the blood vessels and lead to cardiovascular disease. There are several factors that contribute to high cholesterol.
Genetics
Genetics -- characteristics you inherit -- can affect your cholesterol level. Your liver may produce too much cholesterol or your cells may not be able to clear harmful cholesterol from your blood, according to MayoClinic.com. If high cholesterol is due to a genetic cause, your doctor may prescribe medication to reduce it. Start having your cholesterol level checked regularly at age 20, or even during early childhood if high cholesterol or heart disease runs in the family.
Diet
Diet is a possible culprit if your cholesterol is high, but not only foods that contain cholesterol -- such as eggs, which have 213 mg -- are to blame. Foods that have zero cholesterol but are high in saturated fat or trans fats will also contribute to high cholesterol. Fatty meats, bacon and full-fat cheeses and other dairy products are high in saturated fats. Many baked and fried foods contain trans fats -- often referred to as partially hydrogenated oils in ingredient listings -- which are especially damaging. Foods that are labeled "trans fat free" are allowed to contain 0.5 mg of trans fats per serving, and can really add up depending on how much and how many trans-fats containing foods your eat.
Excess Weight
People who carry excess weight tend to have a higher cholesterol level, and losing weight can help to lower it. But even thin people can suffer from elevated cholesterol, according to the American Heart Association. Regardless of your weight, have your cholesterol checked every year and eat a heart-healthy diet.
Lack of Exercise
Regular exercise can help lower levels of harmful LDL cholesterol and raise levels of HDL cholesterol, which protects the heart and blood vessels from disease. Exercise also helps with weight management. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise several days per week. Even if you break the 30 minutes into three 10-minute sessions, you'll get the same benefit.
Age and Gender
As both sexes get older, cholesterol levels go up. Women tend to have lower cholesterol levels than men until after menopause, when a woman's cholesterol level rises, along with the risk of heart disease.
