Anything consumed regularly in moderation, based on our body's needs, is beneficial for health. This includes cholesterol. It's not really a good idea to completely avoid cholesterol, as it's essential for your body to function properly. However, when cholesterol levels become elevated, they can pose serious health risks, particularly concerning heart disease. Elevated cholesterol levels are often associated with atherogenic dyslipidemia, characterized by high triglycerides and low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, which significantly increases the risk of coronary heart disease [1].
Here are some prominent factors that might raise your cholesterol levels.
1. Diet
Regularly consuming meat can elevate your bad cholesterol (LDL). High intake of saturated fats can also spike your cholesterol levels. Foods like butter, milk, eggs, beef, veal, and pork are rich in saturated fats. Additionally, processed foods with palm oil, coconut oil, or even cocoa butter can contribute to this. Snacks such as cookies, chips, and crackers often contain significant amounts of saturated fat as well. Furthermore, a diet high in saturated fats is linked to increased cardiovascular disease risk, as it can lead to dyslipidemia [3].
2. Obesity
Reducing belly fat can make a big difference in managing cholesterol. If you're overweight or obese, your body may lower the good cholesterol (HDL) levels while increasing triglycerides, which isn't great for your health. Obesity is associated with numerous comorbidities, including dyslipidemia, which can exacerbate cardiovascular risks [4]. Additionally, obesity can lead to an increased prevalence of coronary heart disease [5].
3. Lack of physical activity
Having a healthy appetite isn't an issue if you're active enough to balance it out. But if your lifestyle isn't physically engaging enough to match your food intake, it could lead to higher levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) and lower levels of good cholesterol (HDL). Regular physical activity is crucial for maintaining healthy cholesterol levels and overall cardiovascular health [2].
4. Age and gender
After you hit 20, it's natural for cholesterol levels to start rising. Men typically see their cholesterol levels stabilize after 50, while women's levels tend to remain lower until menopause, after which they can match the levels seen in men. The hormonal changes associated with menopause can lead to an increase in LDL cholesterol and a decrease in HDL cholesterol, further heightening cardiovascular risk [3].
5. Family history
Your cholesterol levels can also be influenced by genetics. If your parents and siblings struggle with cholesterol management, there's a high chance you might inherit that tendency. Familial hypercholesterolemia, for instance, is a genetic condition that can significantly elevate cholesterol levels and increase the risk of premature cardiovascular disease [4].
6. Smoking
This probably isn't a revelation, but smoking can indeed throw your cholesterol levels out of balance. Smoking has been shown to lower HDL cholesterol levels while simultaneously increasing LDL levels, which contributes to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease [2].
7. Overall health
It's important to have a medical check-up every year to evaluate your health. Consulting a doctor with your test results can help identify any abnormalities that may increase your risk for diseases like diabetes and hypothyroidism, both of which can raise cholesterol levels. Conditions such as type 2 diabetes are closely linked to dyslipidemia, further complicating cardiovascular risk factors [4].
If you're looking to manage your health effectively, consider an online doctor consultation. You can easily talk to a doctor online, and with the help of an AI doctor or chat doctor, get personalized advice that fits your needs. Whether you want to discuss your cholesterol levels or any other health concerns, an online AI doctor is here for you!
References:
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- Jean-Paul Bounhoure, Michel Galinier, Jerôme Roncalli, Pierre Massabuau. [Obesity and the prognosis of heart failure: the obesity paradox, myth or reality?].. PubMed. 2014.
- Carl J Lavie, Richard V Milani, Hector O Ventura. Obesity and cardiovascular disease: risk factor, paradox, and impact of weight loss.. PubMed. 2009.
- Paul Poirier, Thomas D Giles, George A Bray, Yuling Hong, Judith S Stern, F Xavier Pi-Sunyer, Robert H Eckel. Obesity and cardiovascular disease: pathophysiology, evaluation, and effect of weight loss: an update of the 1997 American Heart Association Scientific Statement on Obesity and Heart Disease from the Obesity Committee of the Council on Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Metabolism.. PubMed. 2006.
- Nahum Méndez-Sánchez, Jesús Bahena-Aponte, Norberto C Chávez-Tapia, Daniel Motola-Kuba, Karla Sánchez-Lara, Guadalupe Ponciano-Radríguez, Martha H Ramos, Misael Uribe. Strong association between gallstones and cardiovascular disease.. PubMed. 2005.