What Causes High Cholesterol and Triglyceride Levels?
• Hereditary factors are the most common cause. • A diet high in saturated fat and cholesterol increases cholesterol and triglyceride levels. • Other disorders, such as diabetes mellitus, kidney disease, and hypothyroidism, may increase cholesterol and triglyceride levels. • Certain drugs, such as estrogen, corticosteroids, retinoids, protease inhibitors, thiazide diuretics, and beta-blockers, may increase cholesterol and triglyceride levels. • Obesity increases the risk of high cholesterol and triglyceride levels. • Chronic, excessive alcohol use increases the risk of high cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Prevention of High Cholesterol and Triglyceride Levels • Eating a diet low in saturated fats and cholesterol may help prevent high cholesterol and triglyceride levels. • Maintaining a healthy weight or losing weight, if necessary can help prevent lipid abnormalities. • Moderate alcohol consumption increases levels of HDL cholesterol, which decreases the risk of coronary heart dis