| • | Your genes - If you have a family history of high cholesterol, your chances of developing elevated cholesterol are much greater.
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| • | Your liver - The liver manufactures 80% of the cholesterol in your blood.
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| • | Your diet - A high-cholesterol, high-fat diet can substantially increase your cholesterol levels.
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| • | Your age - Cholesterol levels tend to rise as you get older.
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| • | Your gender - Women under 45 usually have lower cholesterol levels than men. This is because women produce natural estrogen hormones that help maintain a healthy balance between "good" and "bad" cholesterol. However, once estrogen levels drop during menopause, a woman's risk of developing high cholesterol increases steadily.
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