High cholesterol is a condition where there are too many lipids (fats) in the blood, leading to plaque growth (atherosclerosis) and an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. There are many factors that can contribute to high cholesterol, including:
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Unhealthy diet: Eating too much saturated fat or trans fats can result in unhealthy cholesterol levels. Saturated fats are found in fatty cuts of meat and full-fat dairy products, while trans fats are often found in packaged snacks or desserts.
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Lack of physical activity: Inactivity can contribute to harmful cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
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Smoking: Smoking lowers "good cholesterol" (HDL) and raises "bad cholesterol" (LDL), and a chemical in cigarettes called acrolein stops HDL transporting cholesterol from fatty deposits to the liver, leading to narrowing of the arteries (atherosclerosis) .
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Being overweight or obese: Having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher can contribute to high cholesterol.
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Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions can cause unhealthy cholesterol levels, including diabetes, kidney disease, and an underactive thyroid gland.
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Genetics: High cholesterol can be inherited, and some people have a genetic condition called familial hypercholesterolemia that causes high cholesterol even in someone who eats healthily.
Its important to note that high cholesterol can be preventable and treatable through lifestyle changes and medication. A simple blood test is the only way to find out if you have high cholesterol.
