Cholesterol is a waxy substance that isn’t as bad as you think. On the contrary, it helps build healthy cells and supports bile and hormone production. However, excessively high levels of cholesterol can cause fatty deposits to build on the artery walls, eventually leading to narrowed or blocked arteries. If these deposits break suddenly and form a clot, it can lead to a heart attack or a stroke, which can be life-threatening. 

The most common causes of raised cholesterol levels are unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, smoking or exposure to tobacco smoke, and being overweight or obese, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). Therefore, making healthy lifestyle changes is of paramount importance. However, they’re not always adequate. Sometimes, there could be other reasons for elevated cholesterol. Some of them are listed below:

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It Could Be Genetic

If you’re following a healthy lifestyle but still have high cholesterol, you may have some genetic characteristics that are causing high cholesterol. The AHA says, “Some people inherit genes from their mother, father or even grandparents that cause them to have too much cholesterol. This is called familial hypercholesterolemia (FH).” The best way to detect FH is by getting your cholesterol levels checked. 

Your Diet Contains Hidden Unhealthy Fats

To reduce cholesterol levels in the body, it is not enough to cut out certain groups of foods. You may avoid having cholesterol-rich foods, but it is also necessary to limit or avoid the consumption of saturated fats and trans fats, which according to AHA, increases your bad Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels and lowers your good High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels. These unhealthy fats like red meat and processed foods can sneakily impact your heart health, which is why switching to healthy ‘good’ fats like avocado, nuts, seeds, olive oil, and fish is a good option.

You Depend On Your Diet Entirely

It is wrong to assume that only one aspect of a healthy lifestyle will help you achieve your heart health goals. If you’re someone who thinks diet alone can take care of your cholesterol levels, then you’re absolutely wrong. While it’s an essential part of the process, it is not the only one. Exercise, weight management, and quitting unhealthy habits like smoking and alcohol consumption are also important for cholesterol management. If you have already been diagnosed with raised cholesterol, medications can also be an integral part of your treatment. 

Your Choice Of Exercise Could Be The Problem

Physical activity is said to improve cardiovascular fitness, but much depends on your choice of exercise. For those who really wish to lower their cholesterol levels and reduce their risk of heart diseases, aerobic or cardiovascular exercise, such as running, jogging, swimming, and dancing, are proven to be extremely beneficial. The AHA recommends a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week to lower LDL or “bad” cholesterol levels. 

You’re On Medications That Increase Cholesterol

According to WebMD, certain drugs may have surprising effects on your cholesterol levels. These include birth control pills, retinoids, corticosteroids, antivirals, and anticonvulsants, as per the healthy website. It adds, “Some medicines for high blood pressure, such as diuretics and older forms of beta-blockers, can also raise your cholesterol.”

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You’re Completely Dependent On Your Medications

If you have been prescribed cholesterol-lowering medications like statin, it is best to take them as per your doctor’s advice. Stopping them abruptly and on your own accord can be dangerous in many ways. However, even with the intake of such medicines, cholesterol levels can continue to spike. This is because, after taking statins, some people give up necessary lifestyle measures like eating healthy or exercising. In fact, a study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that people with high cholesterol actually gained more weight and were less physically active after being prescribed statins. 

Bottomline

Many factors can contribute to increased cholesterol levels, including unhealthy eating, being sedentary, smoking, drinking alcohol, and more. However, it is the lesser known and sneaky reasons that are more dangerous. Ensure that you keep a tab on all of the listed causes above and consult with a doctor for necessary measures.