Do You know Why You have High Blood Cholesterol?

Elevated levels of cholesterol in the blood have been a concern for decades. While everyone is worried about it, hardly anyone has taken any steps to diagnose the problem keys in question. The causes of cholesterol in the blood can vary from one individual to another. In many cases, it is unclear why anyone should have a high cholesterol level in blood. One may be physically fit, but may have a cholesterol level above normal. Also, some people have high triglyceride levels, but normal cholesterol levels. People tend to lose track of the lipid component because of their obsession with cholesterol. Elevated levels of triglycerides in the blood are just as deadly.

Similarly, a person can be overweight, may have near normal cholesterol levels. Sometimes it is to do with the family in which you were born. When you have a genetic predisposition, things can get complicated. It is important to keep in mind that it is easier to manage one complication. It is better to keep the other problems away. If you are overweight, and you also have an increase in the level of cholesterol, at least you can try to reduce weight and minimize the damage.

Your thyroid gland may be the problem

If you are overweight and having hypercholesterolemia (increased blood cholesterol level), it is time to look at your thyroid function. Hypothyroidism (decreased thyroid function) is an important factor in boosting blood cholesterol. Hypothyroidism may occur due to a number of factors and is usually treated with thyroid hormone supplements. This condition is very common among women. The exact reason for this sex preference is not clear.

Thyroid hormones have the ability to stimulate oxidative metabolism. When the thyroid hormone level in the body is reduced, your metabolism slows down and thus, calories which are not burnt are stored in the body. That leads to gain in body weight. Reduction in oxidative metabolism also leads to the accumulation of cholesterol. It is important to realize that simply taking thyroid supplements is not enough to reduce cholesterol. It is important to exercise and increase your aerobic capacity.

Do you have diabetes?

Diabetes is another major cause of increased levels of cholesterol in the blood. This is particularly common in type 2 diabetics also tend to be obese. Therefore, it is more important to reduce weight and keep the insulin resistance under control. One should understand that the major risk for the diabetics is the onset of heart attacks. Therefore, keeping the body weight under check is the key to reducing the complications of diabetes. Attitude is the key to preventing many diseases.