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" Question My cholesterol level is 5.3, which is just above normal.  Is it likely to increase with age and is it affected by alcohol consumption?  I eat a very low fat diet.   Answer Thank you for your enquiry.  Alcohol can raise the level of the type of fat in the blood called triglycerides in a dose-response manner ie the more you drink the higher these levels go.  However, a small quantity of alcohol &amp;amp;#8211; such as one to two units &amp;amp;#8211; consumed daily can help to increase the &amp;amp;#8216;good&amp;amp;#8217; type of cholesterol called HDL.  This is thought to be the reason why moderate alcohol consumption may be beneficial to the circulation. However, too much is counter-productive.  Not only will the extra calories put on weight, but any beneficial effects can be reversed.  Moderate quantities of red wine may be the best at helping alter cholesterol levels slightly here.  Cholesterol levels often do increase with age, but if you are eating a low-fat diet and have no other significant risk factors for heart disease such as smoking or high blood pressure then I would simply carry on as you are and keep having your level checked every year or two.  Remember &amp;amp;#8211; moderation is the key here. Yours sincerely The NetDoctor Medical Team   Other Qs &amp;amp; As Alcohol consumption and cholesterol Blurred vision due to tablets for high cholesterol Cholesterol Cholesterol and sodium levels Cholesterol intake Cholesterol levels Cholesterol levels and unstable blood pressure Foods to reduce cholesterol High cholesterol High cholesterol but low blood pressure High cholesterol concerns How can I reduce my cholesterol? Is this high cholesterol? LDH Lowering the cholesterol Lowering the cholesterol levels with medicine Medication to control cholesterol levels Reducing the cholesterol level Spread to help cholesterol? What are lipids?   Last updated 10.12.2014 "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
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