What Causes High Cholesterol?
High cholesterol is a condition that affects many people, but not everyone knows exactly what it is, why it’s important and what causes it. Let’s take a look at what cholesterol is, why it matters and the main causes of high cholesterol.
What is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a type of lipid that is carried in the bloodstream and is essential for normal body function. It is used by the body to build cells, produce hormones and help regulate the nervous and digestive systems. There are two main types of cholesterol: high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and low-density lipoproteins (LDL). HDL is often referred to as the ‘good’ cholesterol because it helps remove excess cholesterol from the body. LDL is known as the ‘bad’ cholesterol because it can lead to a buildup of cholesterol in the arteries.
Why Does High Cholesterol Matter?
High cholesterol is a risk factor for several serious health conditions, including heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. It can also increase your risk of developing a heart attack or stroke. It’s important to understand the causes of high cholesterol and how to reduce it, in order to reduce your risk of developing these conditions.
What are the Main Causes of High Cholesterol?
High cholesterol can be caused by lifestyle choices, genetics or a combination of both. The most common causes of high cholesterol include:
• Unhealthy diet: Eating a diet high in saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol can increase your LDL cholesterol levels. Eating a diet high in total fat, especially trans fat, is one of the main causes of high cholesterol. It is important to eat a balanced diet that is rich in unsaturated fats, whole grains, fruits and vegetables.
• Being overweight: Being overweight or obese is associated with high LDL cholesterol levels and low HDL cholesterol levels. Obesity can also make it more difficult to control other medical conditions that can increase cholesterol, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
• Lack of physical activity: Regular physical activity can help lower LDL cholesterol levels and raise HDL cholesterol levels. People who are inactive are at higher risk for having higher LDL cholesterol levels.
• Genetics: Genetics can play a role in high cholesterol. If your parents have high cholesterol, you may be at higher risk for developing high cholesterol.
• Certain medical conditions: Several medical conditions can increase cholesterol levels, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease and underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism).
• Age: As people get older, their cholesterol levels tend to increase. Men over 45 and women over 55 are more likely to have high cholesterol levels.
• Smoking: Smoking can damage the inner walls of blood vessels and can increase your risk of having high cholesterol.
Conclusion
High cholesterol is a common and potentially serious condition that can put you at higher risk of developing heart disease, stroke and other conditions. To reduce your risk of developing high cholesterol, it’s important to understand the main causes of high cholesterol and what you can do to prevent it. Reducing your intake of saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol, getting regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight and not smoking are all important factors for reducing your risk of high cholesterol.