High cholesterol occurs when there is too much cholesterol — a waxy, fat-like substance — in the blood. While cholesterol is needed for building cells and hormones, too much of it can build up in the arteries and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Main Causes of High Cholesterol

1. Unhealthy Diet

• Eating too much saturated fat (found in red meat, butter, cheese, and fried foods)
• Consuming trans fats (found in baked goods and processed snacks)
• Excess sugar and refined carbs can also raise cholesterol levels

2. Lack of Physical Activity

• A sedentary lifestyle can lower “good” HDL cholesterol and raise “bad” LDL cholesterol and triglycerides

3. Obesity or Overweight

• Excess body fat, especially around the abdomen, increases the risk of high LDL and triglycerides

4. Smoking

• Smoking damages blood vessels and lowers HDL (good cholesterol)

5. Excessive Alcohol Intake

• Drinking too much alcohol can raise cholesterol and triglyceride levels

6. Genetics (Familial Hypercholesterolemia)

• Some people inherit genes that cause high cholesterol levels, regardless of lifestyle

7. Age and Gender

• Cholesterol levels tend to rise with age
• After menopause, women often see a rise in LDL levels

8. Medical Conditions

• Diabetes, hypothyroidism, kidney disease, and liver disease can contribute to high cholesterol

9. Certain Medications

• Some drugs like corticosteroids, diuretics, and certain birth control pills may affect cholesterol levels

Types of Cholesterol Measured in a Blood Test

• LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein): Bad cholesterol; high levels lead to plaque buildup in arteries
• HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein): Good cholesterol; helps remove excess cholesterol from the blood
• Triglycerides: A type of fat in the blood that can also increase heart disease risk if elevated