What Are the Causes of Elevated LDL Cholesterol?

Knowing what your cholesterol levels are and maintaining healthy levels will help reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke. Some causes of increased levels of cholesterol are not always within your control, while others are the direct result of lifestyle choices. There are two types of cholesterol that your health-care provider will test for: HDLs, or high-density lipoproteins, and LDLs, or low-density lipoproteins. HDLs are considered "good" cholesterol, because they encourage your body to excrete cholesterol. LDLs are considered "bad" cholesterol, because they encourage your body to store it. The goal is to raise your level of HDLs and lower your levels of LDLs. It helps to understand what causes an elevated LDL cholesterol level.

Identification

• Having a high cholesterol level increases your risk for heart disease and stroke. Total cholesterol levels of 200 mg/dL or higher are considered too high. If your total cholesterol level is 240 mg/dL or higher, you are considered at very high risk. For cholesterol to get to your cells, they need to be transported by LDLs. When your level of LDL is high, it can bind with fats and build up in the artery walls and clog your arteries. This reduces blood flow, and increases the chance of the plaque rupturing. A blood clot may form and block blood flow to the heart or brain and cause a heart attack or stroke. Your ideal LDL level depends on your risk of heart attack and stroke. If you are at very high risk, your goal may be less than 70. If you are at high risk, your goal is less than 100. If you are at moderate risk, your goal is less than 130. If you are at low risk, your goal is less than 160.

Diet

• Cholesterol is produced by your body and is also found in the foods you eat. Eating foods high in saturated fats and cholesterol will raise your levels of total cholesterol and your levels of LDLs. It is important to read food labels, as even foods listed as "all natural" or "low fat" can contain substances that raise your cholesterol levels. Foods high in saturated fat include liver, sausage, bologna, salami and hot dogs. These can all raise your LDL levels. Whole milk, cheese and other dairy products are not good choices, either. You need to watch your intake of vegetable oils made from coconut, palm and cocoa.

Smoking

• According to the American Heart Association, smoking can lower your level of HDL, the good cholesterol. Smoking also makes it harder to exercise and get enough physical activity. Regular exercise is an important step in lowering LDL levels. The American Heart Association states that when you stop smoking, your risk for heart disease and stroke is cut in half after quitting for only one year. Your risk continues to decline until it's as low as a nonsmoker's risk.

Inactivity & Obesity

• Being physically inactive can play a role in raising your level of LDL cholesterol. When you participate in cardiovascular exercise, you stimulate your body to respond by providing more blood and oxygen to meet the body's needs. This helps make your heart strong and keeps your arteries clear. Being inactive can lead to obesity. which also raises your risk. Being overweight may raise triglycerides, lower HDL and raise LDL levels.

Genetics

• Having a family history of high cholesterol increases your risk. Knowing the medical history of your parents, grandparents and other family members will help you to know your risk. Studies by the American Heart Association show that fatty buildup in arteries can begin in childhood and lead to higher blood cholesterol levels. This is carried into adulthood. Knowing this information will allow you to choose healthier lifestyle habits to counteract your genetic predisposition to high cholesterol. In addition, there are rare lipid disorder diseases that can be inherited. These conditions can cause high total cholesterol, low HDL and high triglycerides.