Seven Things You May Be Doing That Keep Your Bad Cholesterol Levels Up

(LifeWire) - Perhaps you've switched to using olive oil instead of butter in your recipes, but you're still taking the elevator. Or maybe you play tennis four times a week but still enjoy your Saturday night steak followed by a cigarette. If this sounds like you, you should consider how these seven habits may elevate LDL cholesterol levels, the "bad cholesterol":

1. Are You Exercising Enough?

Maybe you're walking two to three evenings a week, and that's good. It takes 30 minutes a day of aerobic exercise, which can include a brisk walk, most days a week, however, to reduce cholesterol levels.

2. Are You Smoking -- Even Socially?

Smoking lowers HDL levels or "good cholesterol." The trouble with having just one or two cigarettes is that it reinforces the nicotine habit and often leads to one or two more.

3. Are You Cholesterol-Savvy?

You've cut back all but the leanest red meats, but what about chicken? Even half of a roasted chicken breast has 73 mg of cholesterol - -a quarter of your maximum daily intake. Also watch out for processed meats: a chicken frankfurter packs 45 mg of cholesterol.

4. Have You Made (Too Much) Peace With Your Weight?

It's great that you don't feel you have to be rail-thin anymore, but getting down to your ideal weight -- and maintaining it -- goes a long way toward reducing cholesterol.

5. Are You Overdoing the Drinking?

One four-ounce glass a day for women (or two for men), helps reduce cholesterol. If you exceed these guidelines, though, you may increase your risk of developing high blood pressure, breast cancer and alcoholism.

6. Are You Trading One Stressor for Another?

Maybe you've cut back your work hours, but are you using that time to volunteer at school rather than relax at home? Mental stress has been linked to higher cholesterol levels and may also lead to overeating, inactivity, smoking and alcohol abuse.

7. Are You Ignoring Your Health?

Regular doctor visits can help you prevent and manage conditions, such as high cholesterol, elevated blood pressure or diabetes. If your health goes unchecked, cholesterol may build up in your arteries.

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