Causes of Cholesterol Problems

Cholesterol problems are a common issue that plague thousands of people. High cholesterol is known to cause heart disease, stroke, circulatory problems and other healthy issues. Less is known about low cholesterol, but it has been linked to certain types of cancer and depression. Causes of cholesterol problems include genetics, diet, sedentary lifestyle, alcohol use and stress.

Genetics

• Genetics are one of the strongest determining factors of cholesterol levels. Genetics affect LDL and the regulation of LDL in the blood, and certain cholesterol-related diseases are passed down genetically.

Diet

• Diet and weight play a large role in cholesterol levels. Obesity and a high intake of fatty foods can dramatically alter cholesterol levels, and weight loss is usually one of the prescribed solutions to high cholesterol.

Lack of Physical Activity

• Physical activity can raise HDL, which is a good type of cholesterol that helps the body clean out bad cholesterol that clogs arteries. Physical activity can also aid in weight loss, further helping to eliminate bad cholesterol levels in the body.

Age

• Cholesterol levels naturally raise as people age, usually leveling out at about the age of 60. Menopause is a turning point for women in terms of cholesterol, as their cholesterol can increase dramatically after menopause.

Gender

• Cholesterol levels have shown certain patterns related to gender. Women usually have lower cholesterol levels than men until they go through menopause, when women's cholesterol levels spike and usually remain higher than men's cholesterol levels for the rest of their lives.

Stress

• Stress has been shown to raise cholesterol levels, particularly when stress affects someone's life over long periods of time. Some doctors have suggested that a link between stress and poor eating habits might be the true cause of stress raising cholesterol levels.