Why do you have high cholesterol?

Genetics: Some people are more likely to have high cholesterol due to their genes. This is called familial hypercholesterolemia.

Diabetes: People with diabetes are more likely to have high cholesterol. This is because diabetes can damage the blood vessels and make them more likely to build up plaque.

Obesity: Obese people are more likely to have high cholesterol. This is because obesity can lead to insulin resistance, which can increase the levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood.

High blood pressure: People with high blood pressure are more likely to have high cholesterol. This is because high blood pressure can damage the blood vessels and make them more likely to build up plaque.

Smoking: Smoking can damage the blood vessels and make them more likely to build up plaque.

Unhealthy diet: Eating a diet high in saturated fat, cholesterol, and trans fat can increase the levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood.

Lack of exercise: Lack of exercise can increase the levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood.

Age: The levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides tend to increase with age.

Menopause: Women who have gone through menopause are more likely to have high cholesterol. This is because the levels of estrogen, which helps to protect against high cholesterol, decline after menopause.