4 Questions and Answers about Cholesterol

1) Does smoking affect cholesterol?


Yes, smoking tends to lower high density lipoprotein cholesterol and elevate triglycerides


2) Do omega-3 fatty acids lower low density lipoprotein cholesterol?


Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and some plants, do not directly lower low density lipoprotein cholesterol, however they do reduce the risk of heart disease.


3) Is high low density lipoprotein cholesterol genetically determined?


Genetics partially determine the amount of low density lipoprotein the body makes and how quickly it is removed.


4) Which gender tends to have higher cholesterol levels?



Prior to the age 50, men tend to have higher cholesterol levels. After age 50, because of menopause, women have higher cholesterol.