high cholesterol 101

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Risk Factors

There are some risk factors for high cholesterol you can’t control:

• Age: Cholesterol levels rise with age. After age 20, you should get a cholesterol test at least once every five years. Your doctor may recommend more frequent testing if you have other risk factors.
• Gender: After menopause, women’s LDL levels tend to rise.
• Heredity: If high cholesterol runs in the family, you're at greater risk.

Risk factors for high cholesterol you can control:

• Excess Weight: Being overweight can increase your cholesterol.
• Sedentary Lifestyle: Regular physical activity helps lower LDL and raise HDL.
• Diabetes: High blood sugar increases cholesterol levels and damages the lining of your arteries.
• Smoking: Cigarette smoking lowers HDL and increases the likelihood of blood clots.
• Medications: Certain medications can cause high cholesterol. Talk to your doctor about any medications you are taking.