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Cholesterol levels have an ambiguous tendency to vary with the changing seasons, especially in women. The winter months seem to be the time when cholesterol levels reach the highest. There are a number of people who believe the reason for the increased level of cholesterol in winter is due to the many holidays associated with the season.

But according to a recent study, the participants reported no changes in dietary or caloric consumption. Cholesterol levels are said to be lower in the summer, possibly due to the warmer weather. People often eat lighter during the warmer months which could also be a contributing factor. Of course the differences were more pronounced in those with existing high cholesterol than those with only elevated levels.

There is also the fact that most people don't get as much exercise in the winter months as they do in the summer. Cold temperatures prompt us to stay indoors causing us to become more sedentary than during the warm months of the summer when we are more active. Furthermore, being more active typically stimulates our need for fluids which helps to fight high cholesterol

High cholesterol is a silent killer and one of the major risk factors for heart disease, which is the number one cause of death in America. That is why it's so essential to have your blood cholesterol checked. A simple blood test (lipoprotein profile) can ascertain your cholesterol count.

Adults should have their cholesterol tested every five years. If you are in the high risk group or borderline, your doctor will most likely recommend you be tested more often. And since cholesterol increases with age, it is important to monitor your count more closely with each passing year.

Since cholesterol levels go up during the winter months, it would be prudent to begin an extra effort in late fall to step up your fight against it to give you a little boost through the cold months of winter.

In conclusion, I would like to add that since the winter months bring in the holidays and the fattening feasts that accompany them, realizing the added risk of the wintertime on your cholesterol level, keep it in mind when you are filling that holiday plate. Also, make an extra effort to put aside a little extra time for exercise. Get up and get moving.

Learn more about this author, Pat Lunsford.
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