Did you know that a problem is developing in our bodies that don’t show any symptoms, but it directly affects our hearts? We're talking about abnormal levels of lipids in the blood. Yes, an ICMR-INDIAB study found that nine out of 10 adults in India have abnormal levels of at least one blood lipid, or fat. 

Medically known as dyslipidemia, this condition involves elevated levels of blood lipids, such as cholesterol or fats like triglycerides. This is one of the biggest risk factors for heart disease in our country, but even more alarming is that it receives very little attention. 

Who are most at risk?

According to this study, this problem isn't limited to a single group, but some individuals are at higher risk. Urban dwellers and women are more likely to suffer from dyslipidemia. Furthermore, the highest incidence of dyslipidemia was observed in Central India, while the lowest incidence was observed in the Northeast.

However, even in areas with lower incidence, 8 out of 10 people were affected. Cases were also higher among people with certain medical conditions, such as pre-diabetes, diabetes, obesity , and high blood pressure. 

Damage occurs without symptoms

The most dangerous thing about dyslipidemia is that it has no early symptoms. Dr. V. Mohan, senior author of the study and chairman of the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation, says that high cholesterol or triglycerides may go undetected. These indicators, which appear in test reports, gradually lead to the accumulation of plaque in the arteries, which can later rupture or block blood flow to the heart or brain. 

Severe deficiency of good cholesterol

The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Lipidology, analysed data from 23,665 people and found that 66.8% of adults had low levels of good cholesterol, which helps clear fat from the blood. 

49.4% of adults had elevated levels of bad cholesterol, and 29.5% had elevated levels of triglycerides. The study found that this problem worsens as a person's body mass index worsens. 

Now the danger is increasing from the age of 30

Dyslipidemia is now common among most Indians, and worryingly, it often begins in people as young as 30. This problem is directly linked to the widespread prevalence of diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure in India.