High cholesterol is a condition in which high amounts of cholesterol are in the bloodstream. The liver produces most of the body’s cholesterol; it also gets some from your food. Cholesterol is essential for many functions in your body, such as building cell membranes. But too much can cause severe problems because excess circulating lipids (fats) get deposited on artery walls, causing the vessels to narrow. In Rockville, Maryland, cholesterol specialists can lower your cholesterol levels. After a lipid profile, these Rockville cholesterol experts will tailor a remedy for you. Here are some primary causes of uncontrolled cholesterol levels.
Genetics
One of the primary causes of high cholesterol levels is genetics. If your parents or grandparents had high cholesterol, you are more likely to have it too. The reason is, genes play a role in how your body produces and handles cholesterol.
A Diet High in Saturated and Trans Fat
Another primary cause of high cholesterol levels is a diet high in saturated and trans fats. Saturated fats are found mainly in animal products, such as meat, poultry, dairy products, and eggs. Trans fats are found in processed foods, such as snack foods, baked goods, and fried foods. When you eat too many of these fats, they contribute to higher LDL cholesterol levels, which increases your risk of developing heart disease.
Smoking
Your risk for high cholesterol is increased if you smoke. Nicotine in cigarettes contributes to narrowing the arteries and raising your blood pressure, making it easier for cholesterol to build up on artery walls. In addition, smokers may have greater production and turnover of cholesterol than nonsmokers.
Being Overweight or Obese
If you are overweight or obese, excess body fat can lead to high cholesterol levels and other health problems such as heart disease and diabetes. A body mass index (BMI) measures an adult’s weight relative to their height. It provides a good indication of how much body fat an individual has.
Lack of Exercise
If you don’t get enough exercise, it can build up cholesterol in your bloodstream. Exercise helps to lower LDL cholesterol levels and increase HDL cholesterol levels. It also helps keep your weight under control, which can help reduce your risk of developing high cholesterol.
Age
As you get older, your risk for high cholesterol increases. This is because the body slowly begins to lose its ability to produce enough of the enzyme that helps break down and clear cholesterol from the blood.
Some Medications
Certain medications can also raise your cholesterol levels. These include birth control pills, steroids, fat-soluble vitamins, drugs that contain estrogen, and progestin.
Some Medical Conditions
There are several medical conditions known to cause high cholesterol. These include diabetes, lupus, hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, kidney disease or failure, Cushing’s syndrome (an infection caused by the body’s overproduction of the hormone cortisol), and certain neurological conditions
Recently Diagnosed with Liver or Kidney Disease
If you have recently been diagnosed with liver or kidney disease, you may also have high cholesterol levels. This is because these diseases can interfere with the way your body metabolizes (breaks down) and uses fats in your diet.
If you are currently experiencing high cholesterol levels or have a history of them in your family, it is essential to take action. There are many different causes for the condition, and it can lead to serious health problems if left untreated. You need help from a cholesterol specialist in determining how best to manage your current situation.
