High LDL and triglycerides increase the risk of atherosclerosis, heart attack, and stroke. Causes include diet (saturated and trans fats), inactivity, smoking, certain illnesses and medications, and genetic disorders. Start with lifestyle changes - healthier fats, more fiber, weight control, and exercise - and work with your clinician on screening and medication when needed.
Why cholesterol matters
Cholesterol is a fat-like substance your body needs to build cells and hormones. Problems arise when too much low-density lipoprotein (LDL, often called "bad" cholesterol) and triglycerides build up in blood vessels. Over time this can narrow arteries and raise the risk of heart attack, stroke, and peripheral artery disease.
Common causes of high cholesterol
Diet and body weight
Eating a lot of saturated fat, trans fats, and excess calories contributes to higher LDL and triglycerides. Eating fewer whole foods and more processed items makes it hard to maintain a healthy weight - and excess weight itself raises cholesterol.Physical inactivity and smoking
Too little physical activity lowers HDL (the "good" cholesterol) and raises triglycerides. Smoking damages blood vessels and worsens cholesterol-related risk.Age, sex, and hormones
Cholesterol levels change with age and with hormonal status. For example, after menopause, many women see higher LDL levels.Medical conditions and medications
Certain conditions - such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, chronic kidney disease, and some liver disorders - can raise cholesterol. Some medicines (for example, certain corticosteroids or antiretroviral drugs) can also affect lipid levels.Genetics
Familial hypercholesterolemia and other inherited lipid disorders can cause very high LDL levels at a young age. A family history of early heart disease is a strong signal to check lipids sooner.What the risks look like
High LDL and triglycerides contribute to atherosclerosis: fatty deposits that stiffen and narrow arteries. That process increases the chance of heart attack and stroke. Risk accumulates over years, so early detection and treatment matter.
How to lower cholesterol
Lifestyle changes (first line for many people)
- Choose unsaturated fats (olive, canola, nuts) over saturated and trans fats.
- Eat more fiber: whole grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables help lower LDL.
- Aim for regular physical activity (for most adults, about 150 minutes of moderate activity per week or as advised by a clinician).
- Maintain a healthy weight and stop smoking.
- Limit excess alcohol.
Medicines and clinical care
If lifestyle changes aren't enough, clinicians commonly use statins as first-line drug therapy to lower LDL. Other medications (for example, ezetimibe or PCSK9 inhibitors) may be appropriate for people at higher risk or those with genetic disorders. Your clinician will consider your overall cardiovascular risk when recommending treatment.Screening and follow-up
How often you get checked depends on your age, health, and family history. Many clinicians recommend periodic lipid checks and more frequent monitoring if you have known high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, or a strong family history.Takeaway
High cholesterol often develops from a mix of diet, lifestyle, health conditions, and genetics. You can reduce long-term risk by getting screened, improving diet and activity, and following a clinician's plan - which may include medication - tailored to your risk.