What does it mean to have high total cholesterol?
Disease description:
I’ve recently been experiencing frequent dizziness. After visiting the hospital for a checkup, I was told that my total cholesterol level is elevated. What does “elevated total cholesterol” mean?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Mou Dongpo
Elevated total cholesterol levels are typically closely associated with several key factors:
1. Dietary habits play a significant role. Excessive intake of high-cholesterol foods—such as red meat and egg yolks—can increase blood cholesterol levels.
2. Cholesterol synthesis is also critically important. Although dietary sources account for only about 30% of total cholesterol, the liver synthesizes up to 70%.
3. Overproduction of cholesterol by the liver similarly raises blood cholesterol levels.
4. Metabolic rate is another major factor influencing cholesterol levels. Younger individuals generally have faster metabolism and lower cholesterol levels; however, as age increases, metabolic rate slows, potentially leading to elevated cholesterol levels.
Understanding these underlying causes helps us better manage cholesterol levels and maintain overall health.
