Cholesterol is a type of fat found in all cells in the body and carried throughout the body in the blood. It is produced by the liver and most cells in the body. It is also found in some foods.
High cholesterol occurs when there is too much cholesterol in the blood. Excess cholesterol can build up on the walls of blood vessels and form plaques that narrow the arteries. This condition is called atherosclerosis. Narrowed arteries make it difficult for blood to flow to the heart and other organs, increasing the risk of heart disease and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) such as heart attack and stroke.
Cholesterol travels through the blood and body in the form of lipoproteins. There are two main types of lipoproteins that carry cholesterol: high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL).
What causes of high cholesterol?
High cholesterol can be caused by many things, all of which increase your cholesterol levels. As well as family history, causes of high cholesterol can include:
- A diet high in saturated or trans fats
- Not getting enough exercise
- Being overweight or obese
- Drinking too much alcohol
- Smoking
Sometimes, high cholesterol is caused by a genetic condition that runs in your family called familial hypercholesterolemia. This means that you can have very high cholesterol levels, even if you have a healthy lifestyle.
What causes a sudden increase in cholesterol?
Risk factors that can lead to a faster increase in cholesterol include:
1. Too much caffeine
Caffeine can cause a spike in cholesterol and blood pressure. Studies have shown that drinking four or more cups of coffee a day can lead to an increase in low-density lipoprotein (LDL or “bad” cholesterol) and total cholesterol. Notably, espresso-based drinks are more harmful than instant coffee.
2. Smoking
Smoking is a known risk factor for coronary heart disease and can cause a rapid increase in cholesterol levels. Nicotine in cigarettes is thought to release chemicals in the body that cause lipolysis (the breakdown of lipids). This not only increases bad cholesterol (LDL levels) but also reduces good cholesterol (HDL levels).
3. High cholesterol due to medications
Certain medications can affect lipid metabolism or cause rapid weight gain and increase cholesterol. Examples include antihypertensives, birth control pills, anticonvulsants, antipsychotics, etc.
4. Rapid weight loss
Rapid weight loss by eating a very low-calorie diet can lead to a temporary spike in LDL cholesterol. To reduce the risk of a sudden increase in cholesterol, it is best to work with your health care provider and plan for slow, steady weight loss at a healthy rate.
5. Pregnancy
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause cholesterol levels to increase by 30-40%. This is necessary to support the growth of the fetus. However, if cholesterol increases too much during pregnancy, it can be harmful to both mother and baby. If dietary changes are not enough to control gestational hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol during pregnancy), your doctor may prescribe cholesterol-lowering medication.
How to lower cholesterol quickly?
Cholesterol-lowering medications such as statins and bile acid sequestrants can lower cholesterol within 2-4 weeks. However, not everyone needs medication to treat high cholesterol. For many people, lifestyle changes alone are enough.
Lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, achieving a healthy weight, and quitting smoking (if you smoke) can help normalize your cholesterol levels over several months and reduce your risk of heart disease.
