Causes:
A diet high in saturated fats (from fried foods, hydrogenated oil products, et cetera) and low in dietary fibre can result in high cholesterol levels.
Some individuals seem to have naturally high levels of cholesterol and must watch their levels carefully. This may be due to genetic factors, where the liver has a defect or absence of LDL/HDL receptors. If HDL does not bind to a receptor, it will merely float around the body and can become lodged on an arterial wall.
Cholesterol is a pre-cursor to stress hormones (adrenals) and cortisol. Increased stress from various physical / chemical / emotional / personal stressors can thus lead to higher cholesterol levels in the body.
Certain drugs and medications can increase cholesterol levels. High blood pressure medications, such as beta blockers, may elevate LDL levels, while oral contraceptives and steroids can pose potential problems as well.
Coffee increases the burden on the liver, can elevate cholesterol levels, and can double your risk if you are susceptible to high cholesterol.
Diabetes also increases the risk of high cholesterol, as LDL and HDL are dependent on insulin to function. The lowered metabolic rate of hypothyroidism also slows cholesterol excretion, increasing concentrations in the body.
A sedentary lifestyle can also contribute to high LDL cholesterol levels.
What to Expect:
High cholesterol, plaque formation, and blood clots can all increase the likelihood of coronary heart disease, heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, breast cancer, and prostate cancer.
