High cholesterol refers to high levels of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, which builds up along the arterial walls causing dangerous blockages. Unlike other serious health conditions, it's primarily due to unhealthy lifestyle choices and can lead to other health problems down the road.

The following are known to be contributing factors in the development of high cholesterol:

Diet

Excessive consumption of both trans fats and saturated fat can raise cholesterol levels over time. Unfortunately, the modern Western diet consists largely of foods that contain these harmful fats.

Trans fats are commonly found in:

• Fried foods
• Baked foods
• Crackers
• Margarines
• Microwave popcorn

Saturated fats are typically found in:

• Ground meat
• Meat with visible fat
• Dairy products
• Desserts
• Fried potatoes
• Fried chicken

Weight

A BMI (body mass index) of 30 or higher increases an individual's risk of developing high cholesterol. Obesity can decrease levels of HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, which is actually good for the human body while increasing levels of LDL.

Physical Activity

Lack of exercise can also reduce HDL while increasing LDL. While it's not clear exactly how it works, even moderate exercise can begin to reverse this process. Studies in mice seem to suggest that exercise facilitates the transport of cholesterol from the bloodstream to the liver, where it can be eliminated from the body.

Age and Gender

As a person gets older, it's natural for cholesterol levels to rise. In men, this usually begins around age 20, with levels tapering off around age 50. Women's cholesterol levels don't rise significantly until menopause. From that point on, their levels are comparable to those of men.

Family History

Sometimes an otherwise healthy individual can end up with the condition, raising additional questions regarding what causes high cholesterol. Unfortunately, having family members with the condition also raises a person's odds of developing it, themselves. It's advisable for someone in this situation to have their levels checked more often than someone to whom this does not apply.

Smoking

Cigarette smoke damages the blood vessels, making them more prone to accumulating fat deposits. It's also known to lower HDL levels in otherwise healthy individuals.

Overall Health

Other health problems like hypothyroidism and diabetes are known to cause high cholesterol, especially when undiagnosed or untreated. Hyperthyroidism leads to higher levels of TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone), which in turn raises LDL levels. High blood sugar damages the arterial linings, contributing to both higher LDL and lower HDL levels.

Top 5 Routes for "What Causes High Cholesterol"

1. Unm.edu This article discusses the complicated relationship between exercise and cholesterol levels. It explains what lipoproteins are and what the difference is between LDL and HDL cholesterol. It goes into some detail regarding how exercise is believed to impact cholesterol while emphasizing that much is still unknown about the processes involved.
2. Yourmedicalsource.com This article explains what it means to be overweight and how bodyweight impacts both LDL and HDL cholesterol levels. A BMI (body mass index) chart helps readers determine how overweight they might be, based on their height and weight.
3. Joybauer.com This helpful website is packed with articles about diet and healthy living. This particular article offers a gallery with seven helpful tips readers can use to lower their cholesterol levels.
4. Heart.org This American Heart Association article offers guidelines to help readers make better diet and lifestyle choices. Implementing these guidelines can benefit the reader's cardiovascular health, largely by lowering their cholesterol levels. There are other links to other articles about topics such as saturated fats, controlling your weight, and quitting smoking.
5. Healthline.com This article from Healthline lays out what healthy cholesterol levels should be according to a person's age. Charts with information regarding levels of total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides are provided for both children and adults. The article also provides helpful tips on lowering cholesterol.