There are several factors that can raise cholesterol levels, including:

• Diet: Eating too much saturated fat or trans fats can result in unhealthy cholesterol levels. Saturated fats are found in fatty cuts of meat and full-fat dairy products, while trans fats are often found in packaged snacks or desserts.

• Obesity: Having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater puts you at risk of high cholesterol.

• Lack of exercise: Exercise helps boost your bodys HDL, the "good," cholesterol. Too little exercise can lead to weight gain, which affects cholesterol levels.

• Smoking: Smoking lowers your "good" cholesterol (HDL) and raises your "bad" cholesterol (LDL) .

• Stress: Stress triggers hormonal changes that cause your body to produce cholesterol. When youre under stress, your body releases cortisol, a hormone that can increase your cholesterol levels.

• Certain medications: Some drugs may have an unexpected effect on your cholesterol. Certain birth control pills, diuretics (water pills), beta-blockers, and some medicines used to treat depression may also raise cholesterol.

Its important to note that genetics can also play a role in causing high cholesterol. Some people have high LDL cholesterol because of their genes, and familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a genetic condition that causes high cholesterol levels.