Risk factors for high cholesterol levels

•    Being overweight
•    Hereditary conditions like familial hypercholesterolemia
•    Eating fatty food
•    Faulty liver
•    Smoking
•    Lack of exercise
•    Diabetes
•    Low levels of HDL and higher than normal levels of LDL to begin with
•    Age


Testing for high cholesterol levels

In individuals with elevated risk of heart disease, testing of blood cholesterol levels is very essential. This is done by testing a blood sample taken after fasting for 12 hours. The blood is tested in the laboratory for total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, HDL (good) cholesterol, and triglyceride. It is recommended that this cholesterol test be done at least once in 5 years for high risk groups or in individuals with a total cholesterol more than 200 mg/dL and good cholesterol less than 40 mg/dL

Lowering blood cholesterol levels

Cholesterol levels can be lowered by changes to lifestyle. Reducing dietary intake of cholesterol often helps cut down levels. However, there is also a need to increase the levels of good cholesterol or HDL. Hence foods that are rich in HDL have to be consumed. Smoking should be avoided and weight loss also ensures a immediate increase in HDL and lowering of LDL. For those who cannot lower the levels of LDL by making changes to their lifestyle, medication is essential.