What are the reasons some people have high cholesterol (and others don’t)?
Cholesterol Can be Elevated for Several Reasons
Here are 7 reasons why cholesterol levels can be elevated:
1. An unhealthy diet is one of the most common causes of high cholesterol. Eating foods high in cholesterol and fats, such as saturated fats and trans fatty acids, raises your cholesterol levels. Eating sugary foods and processed foods also raises cholesterol levels by causing inflammation in the body. If not enough heart-healthy foods such as vegetables, fruits, and fish are eaten, then that too can raise cholesterol levels.
2. A lack of adequate physical activity may increase the risk of developing high cholesterol.
3. Being overweight is associated with high cholesterol levels.
3. Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can also contribute to high cholesterol levels.
4. Genetics plays a role in high cholesterol levels. A familial history of the problem can often be passed down to the next generation.
5. Medical conditions and diseases can also affect cholesterol levels. For example, diabetes, hypothyroidism, and kidney disease can all raise cholesterol levels.
6. The use of certain medications, such as certain diuretics and beta-blockers, can also raise cholesterol levels.
7. Age is a major risk factor. As a person ages, their body produces less of the “good” cholesterol and more of the “bad” cholesterol. It’s harder for the body to remove cholesterol deposits as we age, therefore, it is recommended to be extra vigilant with diet and exercise as you hit middle age.
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