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High LDL Causes

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), known as "bad" cholesterol, is responsible for moving cholesterol particles through the body. LDL builds up cholesterol on the walls of arteries, making them hard and narrow. High levels of LDL--over 129 milligrams per deciliter, as defined by Mayo Clinic--have many causes. They include diet, weight, lack of exercise and heredity.

  1. Diet/Fats

    • Dairy products contain saturated fats.

      According to the American Heart Association, certain fats in the diet cause high LDL levels. The primary culprit is saturated fat, with trans fat being secondary. Their guidelines state that saturated fat intake should be less than seven percent of daily caloric intake, and trans fat should be less than one percent. Other fats, such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated, do not appear to be causes of high LDL levels.

    Sedentary Lifestyle

    • Inactivity can lead to high LDL.

      According to a study published by the National Institutes of Health, a 10 month exercise program lowered LDL levels. Since exercising can lower levels, it follows that a sedentary lifestyle leads to higher levels. Lack of exercise can also lead to weight gain, another cause of high LDL.

    Weight

    • Being overweight causes high LDL.

      According to the Weight-control Information Network, people who are overweight are more likely to have high levels of LDL, and to maintain those levels. This casual factor is somewhat related to a sedentary lifestyle, in that inactivity can be a cause of weight gain.

    Heredity

    • Genetics is a cause that cannot be controlled by an individual.

      According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, high LDL can run in families. An inherited genetic condition, familial hypercholesterolemia, causes people to have high LDL from a young age.

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