Causes of High Cholesterol

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with high cholesterol, your first question might be why. What exactly causes an individual's cholesterol levels to be too high? The fact is that there are a variety of reasons that can contribute. Understanding more about cholesterol can certainly help. There are two types of cholesterol -- HDL and LDL. HDL is considered good cholesterol because it can help remove buildup that can lead to heart disease. LDL is the opposite -- bad cholesterol. When your doctor says you've got high cholesterol, they mean your LDL cholesterol levels are too high.

One risk factor for high cholesterol that you may not be able to control is genetics. If members of your immediate family have problems with high cholesterol, you may be more likely to have it yourself. Of course, this doesn't mean you're doomed if your parents have high cholesterol. It simply means you will need to be especially vigilant in monitoring and caring for your cholesterol levels. If you suffer from a condition such as diabetes or a thyroid disorder, you may be more likely to have elevated triglycerides and/or high LDL cholesterol. This is why it is important to properly monitor and care for any pre-existing medical conditions with the help of your doctor.

Two of the biggest factors that may affect your cholesterol levels are what you eat and how much you exercise. Trans fats and saturated fats are the major culprits when it comes to high cholesterol. Most of the time, animal products are to blame. Stay away from red meat, shortening, lard, egg yolks, organ meats and foods made with these ingredients. Instead, choose poultry, fish, whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and good fats like olive and flaxseed oils. If you like eggs, try eating just the whites rather than the whole egg as the yolks are the worst part. When it comes to dairy, always choose skim or lowfat.

Exercising regularly can work in conjunction with a healthy diet to lower high cholesterol. Individuals who are sedentary and/or overweight are more susceptible to high LDL cholesterol. Even walking twenty or thirty minutes every day can be all you need to make a difference in your health and your cholesterol levels. If you live in a cold or rainy climate and can't get outside to exercise, invest in a treadmill or join a gym. Your doctor will agree that even moderate exercise is better than none at all.

Speaking of your doctor, it is important to get regular physical exams and have your cholesterol levels checked on a regular basis. This is a simple blood test that takes just minutes to perform. Once you understand what your levels are, you can take the proper measures to reduce your bad cholesterol if necessary. Many people are able to lower bad cholesterol and raise good cholesterol with healthy diet and regular exercise, although more severe cases may require prescription medication.