Cholesterol is present naturally in the body and is something that the body so that it can function properly.
It is used mainly in the production of vitamin D, some hormones and bile acids.
However, the body needs only very small amounts of it to meet its regular requirements.
When you have an excessive amount of this component in the body, it tends to get deposited in the arteries.
The problem is, any buildup in the arteries obstructs the flow of blood.
Blockages in the carotid arteries that go to the brain, the coronary arteries that lead to the heart and the arteries that facilitate blood supply to the legs are most susceptible and can lead to serious consequences.
While poor lifestyle habits are the leading cause of high cholesterol, some people are more susceptible to this condition.
Here are some of the risk factors for this condition.
Genetics: Hereditary plays a major role in determining whether or not you are at higher risk.
This is because, the way your body metabolizes LDL is primarily influenced by your genes.
Family history of having this condition may lead to early incidence of heart disease.
Obesity: People who are overweight tend to have higher levels of LDL or bad cholesterol, which again leads to early heart problems.
The importance to losing weight cannot be stressed enough.
When you lose weight, your LDL levels are reduced and your HDL or good cholesterol levels are raised, which reduced your risk tremendously.
Age & Sex: Your risk increases as you get older.
This is because the body's increasingly diminishing ability to synthesize the foods that we eat.
Women tend to have lower levels as compared to men before the onset of menopause.
However, with age, the levels rise in both, men as well as women, till they reach about 60 to 65 years in age.
With the onset of menopause, usually around 50 years of age, levels in women tend to be higher than that of most men of the same age.
Sedentary lifestyle: Sitting at your desk for long hours every day increases triglycerides.
Regular physical exercise increases HDL levels and very effective at managing this condition.
Stress: More and more studies are showing that people who are highly stressed have higher levels of cholesterol in the body.
If you have any of the risk factors for cholesterol it is advisable to start taking precautions as early as possible.
This would include maintaining a healthy diet and ensuring that you exercise regularly to keep your weight down.
Regular medical checkups are highly recommended.