I've been reading up on this sort of thing, amongst others, for quite a few years now, and think that 742 has it pretty much spot on.
Even vegetarians can have excess cholesterol; all you have to do to achieve this (potentially) hazardous condition is eat too much, specifically carbs, more specifically, refined carbs.
I suggest having a look at a book called The Liver Cleansing Diet, by Dr. Sandra Cabot, published about 8yr ago. Lots of very fascinating info about how the liver works (or not) and what it likes (or not). Turns out Trans-fats are amongst the worst things you can consume, that are allowed to be added to food.
I had a cholesterol test a while back, and the Dr. said the ldl was fairly high, but the HDL was even higher, so it was all OK, to simplify.
HDL is usually associated with a "Mediteranean" type diet, high in cold pressed oils, LDL with eating a diet high in processed food, regardless of fat intake.
There was one study I've heard of that drew a direct correlation between an increase in vascular disease in countries where homogenised milk has been introduced. (The process destroys milk fat molecules to the extent that the body doesn't recognise them as food. When they pass into the bloodstream, an immune reponse is initiated, the end result of which is plaque build up in the blood vessels).
Lastly, a well functioning liver, combined with less exercise (but at least some!) than most people think is necessary will help lower LDL and plaque buildup. Healing liver herbs include Milk Thistle, and Dandelion. Ground roasted dandelion root almost makes for a semi-passable cofee substitute, and in my experience can help reduce the severity and duration of a hangover, also!