The tendency to build up high cholesterol may run in families, but excessively high levels are usually the result of a poor diet high in saturated fats and calories, combined with little or no exercise. In some cases, an elevated cholesterol level may be associated with an undiagnosed medical condition, such as hypothyroidism (low thyroid function) or diabetes.
Good Luck!
Jon
From what I understand it can run in your family or be heredity. Colesterol can come from both food and family. I knew someone who had Cholesterol bad... it didn't matter what kind of health food diet he was on... or how much he exercised... his cholesterol was still high. It turns out his family was extremely proned to passing down the "cholesterol gene." or whatever it is that happens. Cause all of his family had it.