20 july 2026 (Navroze Bureau) : A new study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has highlighted the scale of India’s cholesterol problem, finding that nine out of 10 adults have abnormal blood lipid levels.
The findings point to a widespread issue involving cholesterol and other blood fats, which are important risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
What Are Blood Lipids?
Blood lipids include substances such as:
- LDL cholesterol, often called “bad” cholesterol
- HDL cholesterol, often called “good” cholesterol
- Triglycerides
- Total cholesterol
When these levels become abnormal, they can contribute to the buildup of fatty deposits in arteries.
Why Is This a Concern?
Abnormal cholesterol and triglyceride levels can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. The condition often produces no obvious symptoms, meaning many people may not know they have a problem without a blood test.
Lifestyle and Other Risk Factors
Several factors can influence blood lipid levels, including:
- Diet high in saturated and trans fats
- Physical inactivity
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Family history
- Genetic factors
The Importance of Screening
Regular health checks can help identify abnormal cholesterol levels early. Depending on individual risk factors, healthcare professionals may recommend lifestyle changes, medication or further monitoring.
People should not interpret a single cholesterol result in isolation; overall cardiovascular risk and medical history also matter.