Heredity plays a large role in determining your LDL –cholesterol levels. One form of inherited high cholesterol affects 1 in 500 people. It is called familial hyercholesterolemia, and often leads to early CHD.Diets high in saturated fat, mainly from foods that come from animals, often cause of LDL-cholesterol levels to increase. Reducing the amount of saturated fat in your diet is a significant step in reducing blood cholesterol levels.
Weight, in excess, tends to increase LDL-cholesterol levels. If you are overweight losing weight may help lower triglycerides and raise HDL.
Please refer to the Body Mass Calculator to determine your ideal body weight.
BMI Categories:
- Underweight = <18.5
- Normal weight = 18.5-24.9
- Overweight = 25-29.9
- Obesity = BMI of 30 or greater
Age affects LDL-cholesterol levels, especially in women. Prior to menopause, women most often have lower cholesterol levels than men of the same age. As women age, their blood cholesterol levels rise until about the age of 60 to 65. Menopause often increases LDL-cholesterol and decreases HDL-cholesterol. After the age of 50, women generally have higher total cholesterol levels than men of the same age.
Alcohol intake increases HDL- cholesterol but does not decrease LDL-cholesterol. While drinking in moderation may help, too much alcohol can damage the liver, heart muscle, increase blood pressure, and raise triglycerides.
Stress has been shown to raise blood cholesterol levels. Many times, people under pressure console themselves by eating fatty foods. The saturated fat and cholesterol in these foods contribute to high LDL levels.
Read Cholesterol news articles and watch Video...
What is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol formula
Cholestrol prescription information
Diets high in saturated fat, mainly from foods that come from animals, often cause of LDL-cholesterol levels to increase. Reducing the amount of saturated fat in your diet is a significant step in reducing blood cholesterol levels.
Weight, in excess, tends to increase LDL-cholesterol levels. If you are overweight losing weight may help lower triglycerides and raise HDL.
Please refer to the Body Mass Calculator to determine your ideal body weight.
BMI Categories:
Age affects LDL-cholesterol levels, especially in women. Prior to menopause, women most often have lower cholesterol levels than men of the same age. As women age, their blood cholesterol levels rise until about the age of 60 to 65. Menopause often increases LDL-cholesterol and decreases HDL-cholesterol. After the age of 50, women generally have higher total cholesterol levels than men of the same age.
Alcohol intake increases HDL- cholesterol but does not decrease LDL-cholesterol. While drinking in moderation may help, too much alcohol can damage the liver, heart muscle, increase blood pressure, and raise triglycerides.
Stress has been shown to raise blood cholesterol levels. Many times, people under pressure console themselves by eating fatty foods. The saturated fat and cholesterol in these foods contribute to high LDL levels.
Read Cholesterol news articles and watch Video...
What is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol formula
Cholestrol prescription information