Health Tip: What's Behind High Cholesterol?

(HealthDay News) -- High cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease. If your numbers are rising, there are a few possible reasons.

The U.S. National Heart Lung and Blood Institute lists these factors that can affect blood cholesterol:

• A diet high in saturated fat or cholesterol-rich foods.

• Being overweight.

• Not getting enough exercise.

• Getting older, and being a postmenopausal female.

• A family history of high cholesterol.