High Cholesterol is linked with risk factors for heart disease, heart attack, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease.

• Your age. You're at greater risk for heart disease if you're a man who is age 45 or older. Your risk is also greater if you are a woman who is age 55 or older or who has gone through menopause.
• Your family history. You're at greater risk for heart disease if you have a close family member who has high cholesterol or heart disease or who has had a stroke.
• Family's Medical History with an inherited disorder called familial hypercholesterolemia.
• Smoking . Smoking can lower your HDL - the good cholesterol - by as much as 15%. It can also damage your artery walls by formation of unstable plaque that is likely to rupture or tear and cause blood clots. Clots can lead to heart attack, stroke, or circulation problems.
• Your blood pressure. Blood pressure readings of 140/90 mm Hg or higher increase your risk for heart disease.
• Your diabetes status. If you are older than age 45 and having diabetes increases your risk of high cholesterol and heart disease.
• Your HDL cholesterol level. It is desirable to have your HDL - known as the good cholesterol - 40 mg/dL or higher.

 

• Your history of heart or blood vessel disease. You're more likely to have a heart attack if you have heart disease.
• Your weight. Having a BMI greater than 27 puts you at greater risk for high cholesterol and heart disease.
• Your physical activity level. If you're not physically active, you're at greater risk for heart disease.
• Your diet. Eating a diet high in total fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol can increase your blood cholesterol and your risk for heart disease.