Low-density lipoprotein, or LDL cholesterol, is the main concern with high cholesterol. The main carrier of cholesterol in your blood, its purpose as a lipoprotein is to transport cholesterol to your cells. Although your liver produces only the amount your body your body needs, excess LDL mounts in your blood vessels when you become complacent with your lifestyle and dietary habits.
Low HDL Levels
High-density lipoprotein, or HDL, is your body's "good" cholesterol, removing excess amounts of LDL from your blood and arteries. When your levels are low, your HDL is unable to effectively perform its duty, allowing LDL cholesterol to increase. To increase your good cholesterol, quit smoking, participate in 30 minutes of moderate physical activity each day, limit your saturated fat intake to 7 percent of your total daily calories and maintain a healthy weight.
Saturated Fats
The primary sources of saturated fats are animal products such as red meat, whole-fat dairy products and eggs. Animals produce their own cholesterol, and when eaten by you, your liver converts it into LDL cholesterol. Vegetable and coconut oil are additional sources. The Mayo Clinic suggests that no more than 10 percent of your total daily calories come from saturated fats.
Obesity
Being obese increases your blood cholesterol levels and lowers your HDL cholesterol, explains the American Heart Association. Between 60 and 70 percent of Americans are either overweight or obese as of January 2011. This diagnosis means you are 20 percent above your ideal weight. Reducing your caloric intake, consuming less saturated fats and increasing your physical activity aids in weight loss. Speak with your doctor or registered dietitian to devise a healthy eating plan.
Lack of Physical Activity
Living a sedentary lifestyle can result in weight gain and increase your LDL cholesterol. It weakens your heart, placing you at greater risk for heart disease, and affects the size of the low-density lipoproteins. Some are small enough to fit into the linings of your blood vessels, increasing your risk of heart disease. The more you exercise, the larger the lipoproteins become, preventing them from entering your blood vessels. Thirty minutes each day of walking, jogging, biking or swimming is beneficial.
