Unfortunately for many people, their genetics play a big part in developing high levels of cholesterol, which may contribute to future heart disease or heart attacks. If you've been diagnosed with skyrocketing cholesterol levels, then it may be tempting to just throw in the towel and say "I give up." However, doctors say that these negative effects can be partially reversed with some discipline and vigilance.

The bad cholesterol you've probably heard so much about is called Low Density Lipoprotein. The good type goes bad when it stops transporting and oxidizes from exposure to free radicals, leading to conditions like atherosclerosis. If you have 160mg or more of LDL per day, then you have a high level of harmful cholesterol. By contrast, high density Lipoprotein (or HDL) is known as "good cholesterol." It helps one-fourth to one-third of blood cholesterolto be carried from the arteries to the liver by HDL. Doctors recommend that you have more than 40mg of HDL to lower your risk of heart disease.

As you eat, your body uses the calories it needs and converts leftovers to triglycerides. While some are helpful, excess can lead to metabolic syndrome, which results in diabetes, strokes, heart disease or heart attacks. "Even if you control bad LDL cholesterol to less than 70, you still need to look at triglycerides," said Dr. Leslie Cho, a cardiologist at the Women's Cardiovascular Center of the Cleveland Clinic.

You may have heard that eggs are bad news for people with skyrocketing cholesterol and sadly, it's true, because one egg contains 213mg and the daily recommendation is less than 300. Some dieticians say that eggs don't have the highest impact on your blood cholesterol level. In fact, sausages and bacon, which are both high in saturated fats, are far more dangerous. Anything that is deep fried is also a bad choice. Deep fried shrimp is definitely a time bomb to avoid! Meats, whole milk dairy products and potato chips should be avoided. Instead, find substitute foods that you enjoy that are good for the heart; maybe a piece of chocolate or a handful of nuts. Just realize that it's not too late to turn your life around.