What Causes Hyperlipidemia?

Age

As we age, our bodies become less effective at clearing out bad cholesterol from our blood, which can lead to a rise in the level of total and bad cholesterol. It may also put us at a higher risk for heart disease. Men typically bear greater odds of hyperlipidemia than women, since estrogen has the added benefit of lowering bad cholesterol and increasing good cholesterol. However, after menopause, the risk to women catches up to men. Studies have also linked higher percentages of body fat with elevated cholesterol. Therefore, it is important for men over forty-five and women over fifty-five to eat well, get regular exercise, slim down, and tackle other risk factors such as smoking and elevated blood pressure.