High Blood Cholesterol: How Your Behavior Plays a Role

Most of us have heard the messages about how eating certain foods can raise blood cholesterol levels while other foods may help lower the levels. And then of course we have heard that hereditary factors play a role. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said that there are, in fact, certain behaviors that increase risk factors for high cholesterol, and steps that can be taken for cholesterol prevention.

According to information posted on the CDC website, risk factors for high cholesterol include dietary habits, a persons weight and physical inactivity. Foods containing saturated fats, trans fats, dietary cholesterol and triglycerides may have a negative impact on cholesterol level. Sources of saturated fats include animal fat and some vegetable oils while trans fats are commonly found in hydrogenated vegetable oils often added to snack foods, fast foods and baked goods. Egg yolks, meat and dairy products are the main sources of dietary cholesterol.

Additionally, being overweight has been shown to raise low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or the bad cholesterol, lower high-density lipoprotein HDL the "good" cholesterol, and raise total cholesterol levels. Too much LDL can lead to heart disease, while HDL reduces the risk. A lack of regular exercise can lead to weight gain, so being physically active is important for high blood cholesterol prevention.

By making changes in diet and exercise habits, the risk factors for heart disease and stroke are reduced. Despite genetics, there are simple behavior modifications that can have a positive impact for cholesterol prevention for anyone willing to take control over his or her heart health.