What are some other things that cause high cholesterol?
Scientists are still learning why some people have high cholesterol while others do not. Besides diet, other things that may affect your cholesterol include the following. • Being overweight: You have a higher risk of having high cholesterol if you weigh too much. Your caregiver can tell you how much you should weigh, depending on your age, sex, height, and body type. If you need to lose weight, ask your caregiver about a weight loss plan that is right for you. • Age: Fatty deposits in the arteries (atherosclerosis) may start in childhood. As you age, your risk of atherosclerosis and high cholesterol increases. • Family history: High cholesterol may run in your family. For example, if one of your parents has high cholesterol, you are more likely to have it also. • Lack of exercise: Exercise increases the levels of HDL (good cholesterol) in your body. HDL helps to lower the amount of total cholesterol in your body, decreasing the risk of atherosclerosis. • Other factors: Other medical c
