I've had somewhat elevated cholesterol (specifically LDL) in the past and have been recommended for a statin. No thanks! I have successfully managed it with diet along, but (probably thanks to genetics) it will elevate quickly if I'm not careful.
Based on my research, HDL "good cholesterol" is primarily driven by exercise (exercise will increase HDL). My HDL is pretty robust from working out so that hasn't been my main issue.
LDL "bad cholesterol" is primarily driven by consumption of trans and saturated fats. I have had success with greatly decreasing my LDL by cutting out saturated fats (cheese, half and half in my tea, and chocolate are my main offenders...I don't eat any trans fat, processed meats, or that type of thing which would also elevate your LDL).
Triglycerides are primarily driven by your carb consumption. I follow a low carb diet so this isn't my problem area. My dad's cardiologist says triglycerides levels are the most important to avoid a cardiac episode...so hopefully that is the case! (Since my main issue is LDL). I try to avoid "low fat" products because they are typically full of sugar/carbs, although I use low fat milk as my replacement for half and half in my tea.
All these levels are of course also driven by genetics, but I try to focus on what you can change. Eating a lot of fiber, lean veggies, and omega fats in general can help too. Even with a clean diet there could be sneaky contributors like coconut oil (and by extension, vegan cheese which is coconut oil based) which has a huge amount of saturated fat.
There is no definitive link that dietary cholesterol (such as cholesterol found in eggs) impacts your cholesterol. I have successfully gotten my LDL down without cutting back on eggs...and I eat a lot of eggs LOL.
I follow a pretty good diet but I think my LDL quickly elevates thanks to genetics and my love of cheese products. I can keep it down but it will quickly sneak back up if I'm not careful.
I'm getting my cholesterol levels tested again next month, and decided to give myself some extra help this time by taking "Cholest-Off" supplement that is made up of plant sterols and stanols, and a fiber supplement....since my pandemic eating has been less than optimal
Fingers crossed that this will help!