LDL cholesterol, also known as low-density lipoprotein, is considered the bad cholesterol in your bloodstream. The American Heart Association states it is the major carrier of cholesterol in your blood, transporting this naturally produced substance to your cells, where its needed to form membranes and hormones. However, too much LDL can build up in your arteries, eventually resulting in a heart attack. A variety of factors cause high levels of LDL, some of which you may be able to prevent.
Being Overweight
A body mass index of 30 or more places you at greater risk for high cholesterol levels, according to the Mayo Clinic. The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute says that being obese not only raises your LDL levels, but also lowers your levels of HDL (good cholesterol), which helps lower your levels of LDL.
The American Heart Association recommends your levels of LDL be below 100, while your levels of HDL remain above 50 if you are female and 40 if you are male.
Poor Diet
A diet high in cholesterol and saturated fat will surely have an adverse affect on your LDL. This includes foods such as red meat and full-fat dairy products. Because these foods contain a large amount of animal fat, they are high in saturated fat, the main culprit in raising LDL levels. Eggs also contain saturated fat, although you can avoid it by eating only the whites..
Sedentary Lifestyle
Not only does lack of movement or daily exercise increase your chances of becoming obese, another risk factor for increased LDL cholesterol, it is a risk factor in and of itself. A sedentary lifestyle places you at risk for higher cholesterol levels simply because, when you exercise, you raise your levels of HDL, the good cholesterol that carries away excess amounts of LDL. Daily exercise also helps lower your LDL; no exercise equals higher cholesterol all the way around.
Genetics
Genetics can play a role in high LDL levels and is something you cannot control or prevent, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute.
In addition, if a parent or sibling developed heart disease before the age of 55, and you have high levels of LDL, you are at a greater risk for developing heart disease yourself.
Age and Gender
Your age and gender may also be a contributing factor in your cholesterol levels. When boys go through puberty, their levels of HDL are automatically lower than that of their counterparts. As both genders begin to age, they experience a rise in both their LDL and HDL cholesterol; however, young women typically have lower LDL levels than men the same age.
The defining difference typically occurs after the age of 55; at this point women experience a rise in their LDL, levels while men do not.
