Cholesterol Increase: Causes and Factors
Know about the effect of cholesterol on your body, types of cholesterol, diseases due to abnormal cholesterol levels. Learn about the lifestyle tips to control cholesterol levels.
Written by Dr.Sonia Bhatt
Last updated on 21st Jul, 2025
Introduction
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in your blood. While your body needs cholesterol to build healthy cells, too much of it can increase your risk of heart disease. High cholesterol often has no symptoms, making it a silent threat. Understanding what causes cholesterol to rise can help you take steps to manage it effectively.
What Is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol travels through your bloodstream in small packages called lipoproteins, which are made of fat (lipid) and protein. There are two main types:
Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) – "Bad" Cholesterol
Contributes to plaque buildup in arteries, increasing heart disease risk.
High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) – "Good" Cholesterol
Helps remove LDL cholesterol from arteries, protecting heart health.
A third type, triglycerides, is another fat in the blood that can also raise heart disease risk when levels are high.
What Causes High Cholesterol?
Several factors contribute to increased cholesterol levels, including:
1. Unhealthy Diet
Eating too much saturated fat (found in red meat, full-fat dairy, fried foods).
Consuming trans fats (found in processed snacks, baked goods, and margarine).
Excessive intake of sugary and refined foods (soda, white bread, sweets).
2. Lack of Physical Activity
A sedentary lifestyle lowers HDL (good cholesterol) and raises LDL (bad cholesterol).
Regular exercise helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
3. Obesity
Being overweight increases LDL and decreases HDL.
Excess belly fat is particularly linked to higher cholesterol.
4. Smoking
Damages blood vessel walls, making them more likely to accumulate fatty deposits.
Lowers HDL levels.
5. Genetics (Family History)
Some people inherit genes that cause high cholesterol (familial hypercholesterolemia).
Even with a healthy lifestyle, genetic factors may keep cholesterol high.
6. Age and Gender
Cholesterol levels tend to rise with age.
Before menopause, women usually have lower LDL than men, but after menopause, LDL often increases.
7. Medical Conditions
Diabetes – High blood sugar increases LDL and lowers HDL.
Hypothyroidism – An Underactive thyroid can lead to higher cholesterol.
Kidney or liver disease – Can affect cholesterol metabolism.
Consult a Top general practitioner for the best advice
How Does High Cholesterol Affect Your Health?
When LDL cholesterol builds up in your arteries, it forms plaque, narrowing and hardening them (atherosclerosis). This can lead to:
Heart attack - blocked blood flow to the heart.
Stroke - blocked blood flow to the brain.
Peripheral artery disease - reduced blood flow to limbs.
Tips to Manage Cholesterol Levels
1. Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet
Choose healthy fats (olive oil, nuts, avocados, fatty fish like salmon).
Increase fibre intake (oats, beans, fruits, vegetables).
Limit processed foods, sugary snacks, and fried items.
2. Exercise Regularly
Aim for 30 minutes of moderate exercise (walking, cycling, swimming) most days.
Helps raise HDL and lower LDL.
3. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Losing even 5-10% of body weight can improve cholesterol levels.
4. Quit Smoking
Improves HDL and overall heart health.
5. Limit Alcohol
Excessive drinking raises triglycerides and contributes to weight gain.
6. Get Regular Check-ups
Adults should get cholesterol checked every 4-6 years (more often if at risk).
If you have a family history of high cholesterol, early screening is crucial.
When to See a Doctor?
If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, your doctor may prescribe cholesterol-lowering medications like statins. Consult a doctor if:
You have a family history of high cholesterol or heart disease.
You experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness (signs of heart issues).
Final Thoughts
High cholesterol is a common but manageable condition. By understanding its causes and making simple lifestyle changes, you can protect your heart and stay healthy. Small steps today can lead to a healthier tomorrow!
Consult a Top general practitioner for the best advice
Consult a Top general practitioner for the best advice
Dr Divya Lekha Gunta
General Practitioner
10 Years • MBBS, MD (Pathology)
Visakhapatnam
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam
Dr. J T Hema Pratima
General Practitioner
9 Years • MBBS
Chennai
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Tamilnadu, Chennai
(250+ Patients)
Dr. Immanuel Raj
General Practitioner
8 Years • MBBS. MBA (HHSM)
Visakhapatnam
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam
Dr. Mainak Baksi
General Practitioner
13 Years • MBBS , MD (MPH)
Howrah
Mainak Baksi Clinic, Howrah
(50+ Patients)
Dr. Sahana B
General Practitioner
3 Years • MBBS
Koppal
Khushi multi-speciality hospital, Koppal
Consult a Top general practitioner for the best advice
Dr Divya Lekha Gunta
General Practitioner
10 Years • MBBS, MD (Pathology)
Visakhapatnam
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam
Dr. J T Hema Pratima
General Practitioner
9 Years • MBBS
Chennai
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Tamilnadu, Chennai
(250+ Patients)
Dr. Immanuel Raj
General Practitioner
8 Years • MBBS. MBA (HHSM)
Visakhapatnam
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam
Dr. Mainak Baksi
General Practitioner
13 Years • MBBS , MD (MPH)
Howrah
Mainak Baksi Clinic, Howrah
(50+ Patients)
Dr. Sahana B
General Practitioner
3 Years • MBBS
Koppal
Khushi multi-speciality hospital, Koppal
