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Cholesterol is a lipid in cells and blood essential for the synthesis of cell membranes, hormones, bile acids important in digestion, and vitamin D. Cholesterol is carried by lipoproteins, the most important of which are low density lipoprotein (LDL cholesterol) and high density lipoprotein (HDL cholesterol). LDL cholesterol, the main cholesterol carrier, is commonly known as bad cholesterol. LDL cholesterol forms plaques in arteries, which block blood flow to the heart and brain. HDL cholesterol, or "good cholesterol," moves cholesterol from arteries, and possibly even from plaques, to the liver for metabolism. The liver generally synthesizes sufficient cholesterol levels. Many people have high cholesterol levels due to a diet derived from excessive amounts of animal products (eggs, meat, and whole milk dairy products) or excessive production of cholesterol by the liver. A high cholesterol level increases the risk of coronary artery disease, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease.
What are the risk factors and causes of high cholesterol?
High cholesterol results from controllable and uncontrollable factors.
- Uncontrollable influences on high cholesterol - A high cholesterol level, high LDL cholesterol level, and low HDL cholesterol level can be inherited, or passed genetically. In addition, cholesterol level increases with age. Men generally develop high cholesterol at a younger age than women, but cholesterol levels increase at equivalent rates in post-menopausal women and in men over 50.
- Controllable influences on high cholesterol - Controllable causes of high cholesterol are high saturated fat diets, inactive and sedentary habits, obesity, diabetes, and smoking. These conditions increase LDL cholesterol and/or decrease HDL cholesterol levels.
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