Hi Andrea,

You didn't mention your triglyceride level. . . is it high also?

There are more factors than fat that affect triglyceride levels.  There is also fat naturally found in many foods.  Most breads and cereals, even fruits and vegetables, naturally contain a gram or two of fat.  It's very difficult to eliminate fat from your diet, nor should you.  You want to replace unhealthy fats (saturated) with healthy fats (unsaturated).  Also, a low fiber diet can contribute to higher cholesterol levels.  Making a switch to 100% whole wheat bread with ~5 grams of fiber and whole grain pasta, brown rice, more fruits and vegetables, are all steps you can take to lower LDL and total cholesterol.

Also, inactivity can cause higher cholesterol levels.  Increase your physical activity (take a walk more often - shoot for 5 x week for 30 minutes) and your HDL will increase, triglycerides go down, and LDL decreases.  Always check with your MD before starting an exercise program if you are not currently active.

And let's not forget genetics.  If you have a family history of heart disease and high cholesterol, you're predisposed to the same problems.  That doesn't mean you have to sit back and take it.  You can make activity and diet changes to get your numbers to healthy levels.

Here is a link to tips to change your diet to lower cholesterol.

All the best,

Lisa Nelson, RD, LN

Lower Cholesterol