Unhealthy lifestyle main cause of high cholesterol, experts say

Experts have identified the causes and consequences of high cholesterol in the body, highlighting the link with lifestyle choices.

They explained that when cholesterol levels in the blood become excessively high, it can combine with other substances to form what is known as plaques. According to CNN, this may lead to coronary artery disease, a condition where the coronary arteries become narrowed or even blocked.

The experts noted that an unhealthy lifestyle is the most common cause of high cholesterol. This includes poor eating habits, such as excessive consumption of saturated fats found in red meat, full-fat dairy products, chocolate, and certain baked goods.

This pattern also involves eating many fried foods and processed products. Overconsumption of saturated fats raises levels of bad cholesterol. Lack of physical activity, such as prolonged sitting and insufficient exercise, can lower good cholesterol. Smoking also reduces good cholesterol, especially in women, while increasing bad cholesterol levels.