Cholesterol And Genetics

To some extent, your genes determine your cholesterol level. Some people inherit a condition called familial hypercholesterolemia, meaning, very high cholesterol levels run in the family. Other people, especially those with a family history of diabetes, inherit high triglyceride levels (hypertriglyceridemia). Triglycerides are another type of blood fat that can also raise cholesterol levels.

What Causes High Blood Cholesterol?

Several factors contribute to high serum cholesterol levels. Some of these cholesterol-risk factors are within your control, while some are not.