Factors affecting LDL (bad) cholesterol levels Without (bad) LDL cholesterol, there would be no coronary heart disease. (Bad) LDL cholesterol is the number one risk factor for coronary heart disease and myocardial infarction. As already explained, many factors affect (bad) LDL cholesterol levels. Some of these factors affect (bad) LDL cholesterol risk factors that can be changed and some that cannot be changed. Genetics, age and gender influence the unmodifiable factors of cholesterol levels. However, it is important to remember: changes in cholesterol levels caused by these factors can be treated with medications. Genetics: Genes affect LDL levels by controlling the rate at which LDL is produced and removed from the blood. Familial hypercholesterolemia is a specific genetic disorder of high cholesterol levels with an incidence of about 1 in 500, often leading to early-onset heart disease. However, even in the absence of inherited hypercholesterolemia, genes play an important role in influencing LDL levels. If a parent or blood relative has heart disease before the age of 55, high cholesterol levels due to poor dietary habits put some people at greater than average risk for heart disease. Age: LDL levels increase with age. Men are at a higher risk after age 45 and women after age 55. Gender: Women’s LDL levels increase after menopause. The following factors can be changed by lifestyle: Diet: Two components of food increase LDL cholesterol levels: saturated fat (animal fat contained in most foods) and cholesterol. Excessive intake of saturated fat and cholesterol is a cause of high cholesterol levels and high incidence of myocardial infarction in the population. Although the United States has recently removed restrictions on dietary cholesterol intake in its dietary guidelines, there is a need to continue to promote restrictions on exogenous cholesterol intake in this country. Weight: Being overweight increases LDL and decreases HDL levels. Exercise and exercise: Regular aerobic metabolic exercise lowers LDL while raising HDL levels.