what causes cholesterol

Cholesterol levels in the blood are caused by a combination of lifestyle factors, genetics, and certain medical conditions. Key causes include eating too much saturated and trans fats, lack of physical activity, being overweight, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and genetic predispositions such as familial hypercholesterolemia. Additionally, some health conditions like diabetes, hypothyroidism, kidney and liver diseases, as well as certain medications, can raise cholesterol levels. Cholesterol is mainly produced by the liver and can also be ingested through some foods. High cholesterol can lead to plaque buildup in arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.