High levels of cholesterol in the body are among the main factors identified behind so many illnesses, particularly cardiovascular diseases, and there are many causes of high cholesterol noted in laboratory tests. The presence of too much low-density lipoproteins, also known to us as bad cholesterol, in the body can clog and harden arteries. This condition is one of the root causes of many ailments affecting the cardiovascular system.

There are many causes for the presence of high levels of cholesterol in the body. Each of these factors is carefully examined by physicians whenever they are treating diseases related to high cholesterol levels in the body. Poor diet -- a diet that is high in saturated fats like avocados and hydrogenated vegetable oils, as well as in animal cholesterol like eggs and red meat -- is considered one of the gravest causes for high cholesterol in the body. Saturated fats and animal cholesterol in the food intake can raise blood cholesterol to significant amounts.

A person’s weight is another cause that doctors consider when checking for high cholesterol levels. Overweight people tend to have low levels of high-density lipoproteins, also called the good cholesterol. People who have their excess weight concentrated in the abdominal region are also at higher risk compared to people who have their extra weight padding the lower parts of their body, like their thighs and buttocks.

Age and gender are also indicators when doctors determine the causes of high cholesterol levels in the body. As a person ages, the level of cholesterol in the blood has the tendency to go up. Men who have not yet reached the age of 50 are also likely to have higher levels of bad cholesterol and lower levels of good cholesterol in their body than women at that age. On the other hand, when women reach 50, the decreasing levels of estrogen in their bodies are said to contribute to the rising levels of bad cholesterol in their blood.

Genetics and existing pre-conditions are also causes that physicians look at when addressing causes of high cholesterol levels. Some people are just genetically predisposed to having high levels of cholesterol in their bodies, which makes it important for people to undergo checkup if at least one of their parents has a family history of high cholesterol levels. As for existing pre-conditions, it is known that diabetes can contribute to the decrease of good cholesterol in the body, as well as in the increase of triglycerides in the blood. High blood pressure is also a factor behind the development of atherosclerosis.

Lifestyle and exercise are also a major indicator in examining the causes of high cholesterol levels in the body. People who are often stressed out and habitually smoke or consume alcohol often tend to have high cholesterol levels.

Causes of high cholesterol in the body must be properly identified and treated accordingly. Thus, it is important for doctors to be able to determine exactly what makes the amount of bad cholesterol in a patient’s body rise to a certain level prior to treatment.