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Primary Factors
1. Genetics
Some people are genetically prone to having high levels of cholesterol.
A variety of minor genetic defects can lead to the excessive production
of LDLs or a decreased capacity for their removal. This tendency
towards high cholesterol levels is often passed on from parents
to their children. Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), which affects
1 in 500 individuals, is a common inherited disorder whose victims
have a diminished number or nonexistent LDL receptors on the surface
of their liver cells. People with this disorder also tend to develop
atherosclerosis and heart attacks during early adulthood.
2. Age and Sex
The risk of high cholesterol increases as one gets older. Starting
at puberty, men have lower levels of HDL than women. However, younger
women have lower LDL cholesterol levels than men, but after age
55 they have higher levels than men.
Secondary Sources
1. Diet
Diet is one of the most important of the secondary causes
of high cholesterol. Foods that are high in cholesterol, saturated
fat, and trans fat increase cholesterol levels and the risk of developing
heart disease. It is important to remember that the liver produces
all the necessary cholesterol needed by the body and as such, it
is not necessary to get additional cholesterol from food. Fruits
and vegetables can be consumed without fear, whereas consumption
of animal and dairy products should be restricted.
2. Weight
Excess weight tends to increase LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglyceride
levels, and reduce the HDL level. Weight loss helps to lower triglyceride
levels, as well as raise HDL (good) cholesterol levels.
3. Alcohol
Alcohol intake increases HDL (good) cholesterol but does
not decrease the bad or LDL cholesterol level. In addition, drinking
too much alcohol damages the liver and heart muscles, leads to high
blood pressure, and raises triglyceride levels. Doctors are not
certain whether alcohol also reduces the risk of heart disease.
Hence, the risks overweigh the uncertainty and alcoholic beverages
should not be used as a means to prevent heart disease.
4. Smoking
Smoking reduces the HDL cholesterol and is linked to about 20% of
deaths from heart disease.
5. Stress
Although stress does not directly increase cholesterol levels, it
affects an individual’s mood and eating habits. For example,
when some people are under stress, they comfort themselves by eating
fatty foods. Apparently, stress causes the speedy burning of calories
and sugars are a quick calorie builder. The saturated fat and cholesterol
in these foods contribute to higher levels of blood cholesterol.
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