AskDocDoc
/
/
/
cholesterol increase causes
FREE!Ask Doctors — 24/7
Connect with Doctors 24/7. Ask anything, get expert help today.
500 doctors ONLINE
#1 Medical Platform
Ask question for free
00H : 15M : 20S
background image
Click Here
background image
General Health
Question #19026
66 days ago
118

cholesterol increase causes - #19026

Ananya

I am really freaked out right now! Just got my blood work results back and my cholesterol levels have shot up outta nowhere. A few months ago, everything was normal. I’ve been trying to eat healthier too—mostly salads and grilled chicken, ya know? But now, my doctor wants to talk about cholesterol increase causes and I seriously don't get how it all happened! At first, I thought it could be stress because my job has been super hectic lately, but my brother said that maybe it’s related to the new medication I started taking. Like could that be a thing? I mean, I heard cholesterol increase causes can be linked to meds, but isn’t diet more important? I also read something about genetics playing a role, and my mom had high cholesterol, but she was really into junk food, which I’m not anymore! I don’t want to end up with heart disease or anything. I’m just trying to understand all these cholesterol increase causes better so I can fix this. Are there lifestyle changes I can make? Like should I be focusing on something specific in my diet? Or is it more about my overall health? I’m just feeling really overwhelmed by it all! Any advice would seriously help!

FREE
Question is closed
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential.
No sign-up needed.
CTA image asteriksCTA image

Doctors' responses

A sudden increase in cholesterol can be concerning, especially if you’ve been focusing on eating healthier. Cholesterol levels can be influenced by several factors, more than just what you eat. Let’s break this down: Medication can indeed impact cholesterol levels. Certain medications, like those for blood pressure or birth control, might cause increases in cholesterol as a side effect. Diet is important, but it’s not the only piece of the puzzle. Even with a healthy diet, factors like physical activity, weight management, and overall lifestyle can play a role too. Exercise is essential; regular physical activity can help boost high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, the “good” cholesterol. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week. Stress might also contribute indirectly, especially if it affects your sleep or leads to unhealthy eating habits (even without you noticing it). Addressing stress through activities like yoga or meditation, alongside adequate sleep, can be beneficial. Genetics is another significant factor: a family history of high cholesterol can influence your levels, regardless of lifestyle. Because your mother had high cholesterol, it’s possible you may have inherited a predisposition. As for dietary changes, beyond continuing to eat vegetables and lean proteins like chicken, try incorporating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, soluble fibers like oats, and nuts. Avoid trans fats, found in many commercially fried or baked goods. Finally, if lifestyle changes aren’t enough, the doctor may consider medication to help manage your cholesterol levels. It’s crucial to keep an open dialog with your healthcare provider to tailor the right plan for you.

16226 answered questions
86% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously

Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.

About our doctors

Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


Related questions