High cholesterol, meaning you have too much cholesterol—a fatty substance—in your blood, stems from a combination of factors. It's not simply one cause but rather an interplay of lifestyle choices and sometimes genetics.
Lifestyle Factors Contributing to High Cholesterol:
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Diet: Consuming foods high in saturated and trans fats significantly raises your "bad" LDL cholesterol levels. The American Heart Association (https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol/causes-of-high-cholesterol) highlights this as a primary cause for many. A diet rich in these fats prompts your body to produce more LDL cholesterol than needed.
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Lack of Exercise: Insufficient physical activity contributes to higher cholesterol levels. Regular exercise helps lower LDL cholesterol and raise "good" HDL cholesterol.
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Being Overweight or Obese: Excess weight often correlates with higher cholesterol levels.
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Smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels and negatively impacts cholesterol levels.
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Alcohol Consumption: Excessive alcohol intake can also contribute to elevated cholesterol.
Genetic Predisposition:
High cholesterol can also be hereditary. Some individuals are genetically predisposed to higher cholesterol levels regardless of lifestyle. This means it can "run in families," as noted in several references.
How Cholesterol Affects the Body:
High cholesterol leads to the buildup of fatty deposits (plaque) in blood vessels, a process called atherosclerosis. This plaque buildup narrows the arteries, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. (Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/symptoms-causes/syc-20350800 explains this risk.) Cleveland Clinic (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11918-cholesterol-high-cholesterol-diseases) further details how high cholesterol, characterized by excessive lipids in the blood, promotes this plaque growth.
Sources of Cholesterol:
It's important to understand that cholesterol originates from two main sources: the food we consume and our liver. Our livers naturally produce all the cholesterol our bodies require. (Johns Hopkins Medicine https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/high-cholesterol/cholesterol-in-the-blood).
