High cholesterol can result from several main causes related to diet, genetics, lifestyle, medical conditions, and certain medications.

🩺 Main Causes of High Cholesterol

• Dietary Factors: Eating too much saturated fat and trans fats, often found in fried foods, processed snacks, and fatty meats, can raise low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or "bad" cholesterol levels.
• Genetic Factors: Some people inherit familial hypercholesterolemia, a condition causing very high cholesterol levels regardless of diet or lifestyle.
• Lifestyle Factors: Lack of physical activity, obesity, and smoking can all contribute to higher cholesterol by affecting how your body processes fats.
• Medical Conditions: Diseases like diabetes, hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), and liver or kidney problems can disrupt cholesterol metabolism, leading to elevated levels.
• Medications: Certain drugs, including steroids and some diuretics, may increase cholesterol as a side effect.

🩺 Next Steps

To manage or diagnose high cholesterol, consulting a cardiologist or an internal medicine specialist is important. They can recommend appropriate tests and treatments, including lifestyle changes or medications like statins.

If you want, I can explain how each factor specifically affects cholesterol or discuss treatment options.