What Is Cholesterol?

By vanessa

Reviewed: dr. vanta

Article Sources

1. 'LDL & HDL: Good & Bad Cholesterol.' Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov/cholesterol/ldl/hdl.htm.
2. 'Causes of High Cholesterol.' Heart.org, www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol/causes-of-high-cholesterol.
3. 'High Cholesterol Diseases: Conditions & Outcome.' Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11918-cholesterol-high-cholesterol-diseases.
4. 'Knowing Your Risk: High Cholesterol.' Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov/cholesterol/risk/factors.htm.
5. 'Triglycerides and High Cholesterol: Causes, Risks & Prevention.' Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11117-triglycerides.

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7. High Cholesterol Risk Factors

Lifestyle, health conditions and family history can all play a part in increasing the risk of high cholesterol. Carrying excess weight and especially obesity can cause high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol levels. A diet high in saturated and trans fats also increases the chances of developing heart disease.

Cholesterol levels increase with age, as older bodies are less capable of eliminating cholesterol from the blood. Smoking also causes damage to the blood vessels, making it easier for the vessels to attract fatty deposits.⁴‘Knowing Your Risk: High Cholesterol.’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov/cholesterol/risk/factors.htm.

What Is Cholesterol