Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Sep 28: High cholesterol, once considered a midlife concern, is increasingly affecting younger Indians, raising alarm among health experts. On World Heart Day 2025, specialists highlighted lifestyle and genetic factors contributing to this trend and emphasized early intervention.

A recent report, India Inc Heart Index: Risks & Action Report 2025, based on annual health check-ups of over 30,000 employees across 20 corporates, reveals that 38% of employees now have elevated cholesterol levels. The sharpest rise is among professionals in their 30s and early 40s, with even those under 30 showing early warning signs such as sedentary habits, irregular sleep, and stress. The study also noted that 65% of employees fail to meet the recommended 30 minutes of daily physical activity. Over the past three years, risk factors like high cholesterol, hypertension, and elevated BMI have surged nearly 70% among employees aged 35-45.

“High cholesterol is increasingly seen in the younger population due to lifestyle and genetic reasons,” said Dr. Subhash Chandra, Chairman of Interventional Cardiology at BLK – Max Super Speciality Hospital. “Diets high in saturated fats, sedentary lifestyles, and decreased good cholesterol (HDL) contribute significantly. Some younger adults may also have familial hypercholesterolemia, an inherited condition that raises cholesterol to dangerous levels if untreated.”

Experts stress that early adoption of heart-healthy habits can significantly reduce lifetime risk of cardiovascular disease.

Key recommendations include:

1. Eat right
• Limit fried, processed, and junk foods.
• Reduce red meat and full-fat dairy.
• Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes.
• Prefer healthy oils like olive, mustard, or groundnut.

2. Exercise regularly
• At least 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity.
• Strength training for large muscle groups two to three times per week.

3. Weight management
• Any weight loss can reduce cholesterol and blood pressure.

4. Avoid smoking and limit alcohol

5. Medical checks
• Monitor cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, and waist size every 6-12 months.

When lifestyle isn’t enough

Dr Chandra noted that if LDL (“bad cholesterol”) remains high despite lifestyle changes, or in the presence of a family history of heart disease, doctors may recommend statins or other lipid-lowering medications.

Other heart-healthy measures
• Sleep 7-8 hours per night.
• Manage stress with yoga, meditation, or mindfulness.
• Address emotional health concerns such as depression and anxiety, which can affect heart health.

As heart disease emerges earlier among younger Indians, experts stress that preventive measures, proper screening, and lifestyle modification are crucial to safeguard long-term cardiovascular health.