Unhealthy diet:
Excessive consumption of red meat (mutton, beef), fat in dairy products, fried and deep-fried fast foods, and bakery products (containing trans fats) can sharply increase the level of bad cholesterol (LDL) in the blood.
Lack of exercise and sedentary lifestyle:
Lack of physical activity:
Lack of physical activity or exercise can reduce the level of good cholesterol (HDL) in the body and increase bad cholesterol.
Overweight and obesity:
Increased body weight can increase the level of triglycerides and bad cholesterol in the blood, and reduce good cholesterol.
Genetics / Family History:
If your parents or close relatives have high cholesterol, you are more likely to have it genetically (Familial Hypercholesterolemia).
Smoking & Alcohol:
Smoking damages the walls of blood vessels and destroys the good cholesterol (HDL) in the body. Similarly, excessive alcohol consumption can also increase cholesterol.
Age & Hormonal Changes:
As you age, the risk of high cholesterol increases because the functionality of blood vessels changes. Similarly, in women, cholesterol increases due to hormonal changes after menopause.
Diabetes and Thyroid Problems:
Uncontrolled diabetes and low thyroid hormone levels (Hypothyroidism) can directly cause high cholesterol.
