There are a number of factors that influence and control the level of cholesterol in an individual. Some are genetic while others are lifestyle-related..

Diet 
Age 
Weight 
Gender
Genetics 
Diseases
Lifestyle

Diet
There are two dietary factors associated with increase in blood cholesterol levels: 
Foods those are high in saturated fats, including foods containing high levels of hydrogenated vegetable oils, especially palm and coconut oils, avocados and other high-fat foods of vegetable origin 

Foods containing high levels of cholesterol, which include eggs and red meat-the most maligned of the cholesterol culprits-as well as lard and shrimp. These foods can significantly raise blood cholesterol levels, especially when combined with foods that are high in saturated fat.

Age
Older people have a higher cholesterol level than younger ones. The blood levels of cholesterol tend to increase with age.

Diseases
Diseases such as diabetes can lower HDL levels, increase triglycerides and accelerate the development of atherosclerosis. High blood pressure, or hypertension, can also hasten the development of atherosclerosis, and some medications used to treat it can increase LDL and triglycerides and decrease HDL levels.

Lifestyle
Factors that negatively affect cholesterol levels also include high levels of stress, which can raise total cholesterol levels, and cigarette smoking, which can lower a person's HDL level as much as 15 percent.

On the other hand, strenuous exercise can increase HDL levels and decrease LDL levels. Exercise also can help reduce body weight, which, in turn, can help reduce cholesterol. Recent research has shown that moderate alcohol use (one drink per day for women, two drinks a day for men) can raise HDL cholesterol and therefore reduce the risk of heart attack.