India survey, conducted by Metropolis Healthcare Ltd ahead of ‘Hypertension Day’ showed a majority of people between 30 to 40 years have alarming LDL cholesterol levels. The survey conducted by Metropolis covered major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Chennai.

Out of the total 10738 lipid profiles done, 25% to 30 % have high Bad Cholesterol (Total Cholesterol, LDL and Triglycerides) and are at a higher risk of acquiring cardiovascular diseases. This could be partly attributed to corporate stress, unhealthy diet and sedentary lifestyle which reflect in the higher LDL cholesterol levels.

Also observed was that a fairly substantial number of youngsters examined during the survey have showed the first signs of the onset of a heart ailment — hyper cholesterol and hypertension.

Individuals have become more aware of the fact that heart disease is not just a disease of the elderly and are now a lot more determined to go a long-way in combating this disease. Calling for regular screening of unhealthy cholesterol and lipid levels, researchers at Metropolis said surveys such as the one conducted would help identify people who are at a greater risk of Hypertension. Preventive measures are required so as to reduce obesity, increasing physical activity, decreasing the salt intake of the population and a concerted effort to promote awareness about hypertension and related risk behaviours.

The statistics below clearly indicate that young people in the age group 30-40 have high cholesterol, LDL and triglyceride levels and as a result are at a greater risk of hypertension.

BDST: 1710  HRS, JUNE-02, 2014