High cholesterol, also known as hyperlipidemia or hypercholesterolemia, is a condition in which there are too many lipids (fats) in the blood. Several factors can contribute to high cholesterol levels:
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Unhealthy diet: Consuming too much saturated fat or trans fats can result in unhealthy cholesterol levels. Eating too many foods that are high in fat can increase your cholesterol level.
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Lack of physical activity: Being inactive can contribute to high cholesterol levels.
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Obesity: Having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher is associated with higher cholesterol levels.
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Smoking and tobacco use: Smoking lowers your "good cholesterol" (HDL) and raises your "bad cholesterol" (LDL).
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Stress: Stress triggers hormonal changes that cause your body to produce cholesterol.
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Drinking alcohol: Too much alcohol in your body can raise your total cholesterol.
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Genetics: Some people inherit genes from their parents or grandparents that cause them to have high cholesterol levels. This is called familial hypercholesterolemia (FH).
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Certain medications: Some drugs, such as certain birth control pills, retinoids, corticosteroids, antivirals, and anticonvulsants, can have an unexpected effect on your cholesterol levels.
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Pregnancy: During pregnancy, your body uses cholesterol to help the fetus grow and develop. This can cause a temporary spike in cholesterol levels, which usually doesnt harm the mother or baby. However, if you already have high cholesterol, your doctor may want to monitor your levels.
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Thyroid issues: Thyroid problems can affect your cholesterol levels.
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Type 2 diabetes: People with type 2 diabetes often have high cholesterol levels.
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Menopause: Hormonal changes during menopause can lead to higher cholesterol levels.
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Kidney function: High cholesterol may harm kidney function and raise your risk of kidney disease.
To determine if you have high cholesterol, a blood test is necessary, as high cholesterol does not cause symptoms. If you have high cholesterol, it can be managed through lifestyle changes, such as adopting a healthy diet and increasing physical activity, and sometimes medication may be necessary.
