So, how do you get high cholesterol?

Unfortunately, most of the time there is no specific answer to that question. However, if high cholesterol or a less sensitive cholesterol gauge runs in your family, there is a pretty good chance that you may have it too. You are ALSO at risk if you eat foods high in fat and cholesterol, smoke, drink too much alcohol, don't exercise, or have diabetes. Increasing age can also increase your chance of having high cholesterol.