The latest national study by Metropolis Healthcare, based on an analysis of nearly 3.9 lakh lipid profile tests across India, highlights a significant rise in lipid imbalances among Indians. The assessment aimed to understand the prevalence of cholesterol and triglyceride abnormalities and to evaluate the growing risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases in the country.
The findings reveal that one in four Indians has some form of abnormal cholesterol level. Low HDL, commonly known as “good cholesterol,” emerged as the most widespread issue, affecting more than a third of those tested. High total cholesterol, elevated LDL, and abnormal triglyceride levels were also prevalent, indicating an increasing burden of cardiovascular risk. Non-HDL cholesterol, a key marker for atherosclerosis, was frequently found to be borderline or high, further underscoring the scale of the problem.
The study shows that while most samples came from adults aged 31 to 60, younger adults are also significantly affected. Individuals between 19 and 30 years of age showed unexpectedly high rates of low HDL and borderline high total cholesterol, trends that were once largely confined to older populations. This shift points to the growing influence of lifestyle factors, such as sedentary routines, processed diets, stress, and irregular sleep patterns.
Gender differences were also apparent. Men displayed higher rates of elevated triglycerides and lower HDL levels compared to women. These variations may be influenced by behavioural and metabolic factors, but they highlight the need for targeted awareness and intervention strategies.
Metropolis, which is the country’s second largest pathology lab chain, also found that nearly one in three Indians showed early indicators of metabolic syndrome based on their lipid patterns. This suggests that lipid imbalances often appear before elevated blood sugar levels and may serve as early warning signs for future diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The data makes clear that relying solely on sugar tests is not enough to assess metabolic health.
Overall, the study raises important public health concerns. The widespread presence of lipid abnormalities across age groups points to an increased risk of premature heart disease and metabolic disorders. Many individuals, especially younger adults, remain unaware of their lipid health because routine screening is often neglected unless symptoms arise. This highlights the need for preventive healthcare approaches rather than waiting for advanced disease to appear.
The report reinforces the importance of regular lipid testing, early lifestyle adjustments, and increased public awareness. Healthcare providers are encouraged to recommend routine lipid screening and educate patients about the risks associated with low HDL, high triglycerides, and borderline cholesterol imbalances. Public health authorities and organisations can play a crucial role by promoting accessible preventive diagnostics and encouraging younger populations to monitor their metabolic health.
In conclusion, the Metropolis Healthcare study reveals a growing and under-recognised challenge in India’s health landscape. Lipid imbalances are affecting a wide demographic, emerging earlier in life, and serving as early indicators of future cardiovascular and metabolic disease. Timely detection, lifestyle modification, and increased awareness will be essential to mitigating these risks and improving long-term health outcomes for the population.