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Cholesterol: 9 out of 10 Indians have subnormal cholesterol, ICMR study reveals big news
KalamTimes | July 21, 2026 11:39 PM CST

HDL Cholesterol: Nearly nine out of ten adults in India have subnormal cholesterol levels. This problem isn't limited to the elderly; even young and seemingly healthy people are affected.

 

 

High cholesterol in Indians

Abnormal Cholesterol Symptoms In Young Adults: If you think cholesterol problems are only related to aging or obesity, a recent study may change your mind. According to a study by the Indian Council of Medical Research, nearly nine out of ten adults in India have subnormal cholesterol levels. This problem isn't limited to the elderly; even young and seemingly healthy people are affected.

Which diseases are at increased risk?

The study involved 23,665 people. According to the report, 87.3 percent of Indian adults suffer from some form of abnormal blood fat. This means elevated levels of bad cholesterol, or triglycerides, or lower than normal levels of good cholesterol. Such conditions can increase the risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke in the long term.

Who are most at risk?

The study also revealed that this problem is more prevalent among people living in cities. In urban areas, 89 percent of people had subnormal cholesterol levels, while in rural areas, the same figure was 86.5 percent. This means that this problem is no longer limited to cities. This problem was also found to be more prevalent among women than men. According to the report, 91.1 percent of women had cholesterol-related disorders, while this figure was 83.5 percent among men. The most surprising thing was that in India, this problem is most prevalent among those aged 30 to 39. This means that a large number of people are moving towards the risk of heart-related diseases at a young age.

How can we protect ourselves?

The study also found that cholesterol levels were not normal not only in people with obesity, diabetes, or high blood pressure, but also in about 40 percent of those without any of these conditions. This clearly shows that simply looking fit or having a normal weight does not guarantee a completely healthy heart. Experts recommend that lipid profile testing be done periodically. This is a simple blood test that measures total cholesterol, good and bad cholesterol, and triglycerides in the body. If the problem is detected early, it can be controlled with dietary changes, regular exercise, and, if needed, medication. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, eating a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and getting regular health checkups are among the most effective ways to maintain a healthy heart.


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