What Causes High Cholesterol

Increased levels of LDL in the bloodstream can have dangerous effects on the body and put one at risk of a heart attack or stroke. Cholesterol is essential for the healthy functioning of our body. Both LDL (bad cholesterol) and HDL (good cholesterol) is required by the body in certain amounts to carry out functions like producing bile and vitamins. A rise or imbalance in these levels, especially a rise in LDL levels, could result in undesirable health problems such as chest pain, stroke, heart attack and even blood clotting.

Factors leading to high cholesterol

There are several factors which could contribute to a rise in LDL levels. They are as follows:

• Unhealthy diet
• Smoking
• Alcohol consumption
• Obesity
• Large waist circumference
• Lack of exercise
• Diabetes

Unhealthy diet

Our body derives nourishment from the food we consume. However, a diet high in saturated fats and trans fats does not provide nourishment to our body. In fact, it only increases your risk of developing several health problems, such as high cholesterol. Here is a list of high cholesterol causing foods:

• Butter & Ghee
• Red meat
• Dairy products
• Junk food
• Sweets and pastries
• Smoking

Smoking

Cigarette smoke damages the walls of the blood vessels and causes the accumulation of fatty deposits.

Alcohol consumption

Alcohol consumed in moderation may not cause adverse effects on our body, but alcohol consumed in excess could raise triglyceride levels.

Obesity

Obesity or being overweight points to the presence of visceral fat in our body. This fat is one of the most common causes of high cholesterol levels.

Large waist circumference

If a man’s waist circumference is 40 inches (102 centimetres) or more and a woman is 35 inches (89 centimetres) or more, they are at a higher risk of suffering from high cholesterol.

Related: 5 Foods That Burn Belly Fat

Lack of exercise

A good exercise regime will help lower bad cholesterol levels. Similarly, a lack of exercise puts us at higher risk of having high cholesterol.

Diabetes

High blood sugar levels can increase LDL cholesterol and lower HDL cholesterol levels. Moreover, it also damages the lining of the arteries, thus making one more prone to heart problems and other health risks.

Learn More: Truth About LDL & HDL Cholesterol

Treatment for high cholesterol

High cholesterol, is a serious health problem which puts one at a high risk of suffering from a sudden stroke or a heart attack, which could prove fatal.

In some cases, it could be possible for a healthy person to suffer from high cholesterol. This is because high cholesterol is an inheritable disorder. So if your parents suffer from it, or if you have a family history of cholesterol problems, this puts you at a higher risk of suffering from high cholesterol.

Since an unhealthy diet and a lack of physical activity are the most common reasons behind high cholesterol levels, it would be wise to cut down on the foods high in saturated fats and trans fats. Also, it is important to take part in some physical activity daily, such as walking, exercising or even climbing stairs. Get FREE consultation now.