Acquired hyperlipidemia
Acquired hyperlipidemia is usually caused by certain lifestyle factors. It can also be caused by the drugs you take or underlying medical conditions.
Lifestyle factors can increase “bad” cholesterol levels in the blood and lower “good” cholesterol levels. According to the American Heart Association, Lifestyle factors that can lead to hyperlipidemia include:
- An unbalanced diet
- Insufficient exercise
- Obesity or overweight
- Heavy alcohol usage. Studies show that drinking little amounts of red wine may have positive effects on your health.
- Smoking or regular exposure to secondhand smoke
Certain medical conditions also increase your chances of developing high levels of cholesterol in the blood. Some of these conditions include:
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Diabetes
- An Underactive thyroid
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
High cholesterol levels can also be caused by pregnancy and other inherited conditions.
Certain drugs can also increase your cholesterol level in the blood. Some of these drugs include:
- Beta-blockers. They rarely influence blood cholesterol levels.
- Birth control pills
- Corticosteroids
- Antiretrovirals used for HIV treatment
- Diuretics