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Causes of High Cholesterol 

There are a number of things which can cause raised cholesterol levels

Diet

One of the main ways LDL cholesterol levels can become too high in blood is through eating too much saturated fat, which is found mostly in animal products. Saturated fat raises LDL levels more than anything else in the diet, because the body produces cholesterol to help digest the fat. Trans fats are also known to raise blood cholesterol.

Cholesterol in the diet also plays a part in raising LDL levels. The average American man consumes about 337 milligrams of cholesterol a day; the average woman, 217 milligrams. Cholesterol is found in foods from animals, especially egg yolks, meat, poultry, fish, seafood and whole-milk dairy products. Fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts and seeds don't contain cholesterol.

Lack of Exercise

Regular physical activity may not only lower LDL cholesterol, but it may increase levels of HDL cholesterol in some people. It also lowers blood pressure and can also help control weight and diabetes.

Smoking

Smoking lowers HDL cholesterol levels and increases the tendency for blood to clot.

Heredity

High cholesterol often seems to run in families. Although specific genetic causes have only been found in a minority of cases, genes may still play a part in raising cholesterol levels.

Weight

Excess weight tends to raise cholesterol levels as well as being another factor leading to heart disease. Losing weight may help lower cholesterol levels.

Age and Gender

Cholesterol levels naturally rise as both men and women age. Before menopause, women generally have lower cholesterol levels than men of the same age. Menopause often brings increases in LDL cholesterol.

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