Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that is part of all your body cells. Some cholesterol is necessary. Cholesterol is produced by your body and is also found in certain foods. Cholesterol travels through the bloodstream, and high amounts of cholesterol in your blood can be dangerous to your health. This cholesterol can adhere to the insides of your arteries and cause plaque. Plaque buildup causes the arteries to narrow, which could lead to a heart attack. High blood cholesterol contributes to heart disease, which is the main cause of death in the United States.
Genetics
Your liver produces cholesterol naturally. However, some people may have a genetic makeup that causes the body to produce an excessive amount of LDL cholesterol, or bad cholesterol. Also, your genes may prevent cells from adequately removing the LDL cholesterol from your bloodstream. This genetic condition that some can inherit is called familial hypercholesterolemia, and the dangerously high LDL cholesterol level that results from this condition can cause a heart attack or stroke, even if you are young.
Age and Gender
Age and gender, two factors beyond your control, can affect your blood cholesterol levels. Men have lower HDL cholesterol, or good cholesterol, than women after puberty. Young females have lower levels of LDL cholesterol than males do, but as women age, they actually have higher levels than men. As both men and women get older, their LDL cholesterol levels increase.
An Unhealthy Diet
What you eat can have a major impact on your blood cholesterol levels. Certain types of food, particularly specific types of fat, can raise your cholesterol. Saturated fats have the biggest impact on your cholesterol. Saturated fats are found primarily in animal products such as beef, pork, poultry skin, butter, cheese and other dairy foods. They are also found in baked goods and fried foods. Trans fats, also called partially hydrogenated oils, are found in many foods including pastries, crackers, cookies, stick margarines and lard. Trans fats raise your LDL cholesterol and also lower your HDL cholesterol. Dietary cholesterol, found only in animal foods, can slightly impact blood cholesterol, although to a much lesser extent than saturated fat and trans fat.
Inactivity
Not getting enough exercise can cause high cholestrol. Exercise not only decreases your LDL cholesterol, it also increases your body's HDL cholesterol. Higher levels of HDL cholesterol are heart-protective. Physical inactivity increases your risk of high cholesterol, which increases the likelihood that you could suffer a serious complication, such as a heart attack or stroke. Be sure to get a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week.
Being Overweight
Being overweight negatively affects blood cholesterol levels. According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, being overweight tends to increase your LDL level, lower your high-density lipoprotein level, and increase your total cholesterol level.
Smoking
Smoking tobacco can lower your HDL cholesterol. Low HDL cholesterol levels and high LDL cholesterol levels are associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease.
References
- American Heart Assocation: "Prevention and Treatment of High Cholesterol"
- Mayo Clinic: "High Cholesterol"
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute Diseases and Condition Index: "High Blood Cholesterol"
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute Diseases and Conditions Index: "Coronary Heart Disease Risk Factors"
