What causes high cholesterol?

High cholesterol is a condition that occurs when there is too much cholesterol in the bloodstream. Cholesterol plays an important role in the functioning of the entire body. It carries fat through the bloodstream to help build cells and hormones in the body, and helps the body to produce Vitamin D. However, if there is too much cholesterol in the body, it can be a contributing cause for many diseases.

Our bodies produce 80 percent of our total cholesterol, with the remaining 20 percent coming from foods we consume. High cholesterol occurs when we consume more cholesterol in our diets than the body needs. While cholesterol comes from foods from animal sources, such as meat, dairy products, and eggs, recent studies have shown that some types of cholesterol are worse for us than others.

High cholesterol

The bad type of high cholesterol is low-density lipoprotein (LDL). When LDL cholesterol flows through the bloodstream, it has a tendency to stick to the artery walls in the form of plaque. As arteries become more and more clogged, blood flow becomes restricted. A blockage to the heart can cause a heart attack, while a blockage to the brain can lead to a stroke.

The good type of high cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), carries cholesterol, including the plaque lining the artery walls, to the liver, where it is excreted from your system.

There are several factors that can lead to high cholesterol. Eating a diet high in saturated fat and dietary cholesterol is the most common cause, but for some people it could be an inherited genetic condition. Being overweight or leading an inactive lifestyle can also be factors. Medical conditions including diabetes, liver disease, and kidney disease can also cause increased levels of cholesterol.

If you are diagnosed with high cholesterol, it is important to consult your doctor and get started on a program to bring your cholesterol back to healthy levels.