High cholesterol is a risk factor for serious health problems, from heart attack to stroke.

The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute mentions these possible causes:

• Eating a diet high in cholesterol-rich foods, such as meat, cheese, egg yolks and other animal products. Foods high in saturated and trans fats also increase cholesterol.
• Being overweight or lack of physical activity can lead to extra pounds and boost cholesterol.
• Being age 55 or older increases your risk of high cholesterol.
• Having an inherited condition called familial cholesterolemia leads to high cholesterol.

If you have high cholesterol contact your physician. There are many options to treat high cholesterol before it becomes out of control.

If you need a physician, all Sarah Bush Lincoln practices are accepting new patients. Click here to find a doctor near you.