What are the risk factors for high cholesterol levels?

• Physical inactivity: A lack of exercise lowers high-density lipoprotein (HDL; ‘good’) cholesterol levels, which means less low-density lipoprotein (LDL; ‘bad’) cholesterol is removed from the arteries. It also causes one to gain weight, which can lead to high cholesterol.
  
• Obesity: Obesity is associated with lower HDL cholesterol levels, higher LDL cholesterol levels and higher triglyceride levels, which can lead to greater build-up of plaque in the arteries. 
• Diet: Eating foods high in saturated fat or trans fat can lead to unhealthy cholesterol levels. 
• Alcohol: Drinking too much alcohol raises total cholesterol level. 
• Smoking: Smoking can result in coronary atherosclerosis or an accumulation of fatty deposits in the heart's artery wall. It may also may lower HDL levels.
  
• Diabetes: Diabetes lowers HDL cholesterol levels and raises LDL cholesterol levels. Maintaining a healthy weight, a balanced diet and a regular exercise routine can help regulate one’s blood glucose level, preventing the progression of diabetes mellitus. 
  

• Other medical conditions: Certain health problems can increase cholesterol levels. Please speak to your doctor about your risk of high cholesterol and how you can best manage it. 
• Family History: Individuals with a family history of high cholesterol have a higher risk of developing high cholesterol. As such, they should have their cholesterol levels checked more often.  
• Age: High cholesterol can be more common in those above the age of 40. As we age, the body gradually loses its ability to remove LDL cholesterol, which leads to higher cholesterol levels.