Cholesterol targets the youth

A recent study revealed that 25 per cent of Indians between the age group of 20 and 29 years have high cholesterol. The ‘State of Heart’ study by SafolaLife means that one in every four individuals falling in this age group is a victim of high cholesterol.

General physicians admit to treating at least 15 new cases of cholesterol among youngsters every month. “The incidence is even higher among those between the age group of 30 and 35. Most of them come with no complaints or problems.

They either come in for a comprehensive health check-up as part of their employment programme or out of curiosity and accidentally end up discovering that their cholesterol levels are high,” says Dr Aravind Jagadeesh, consultant, physician, BGS Global Hospital.

Doctors say where people never bothered with health check-ups in the past, the number of people coming forward for check-ups has increased. It has helped reveal the gravity of the situation. Genetic factors also play a dominant role in increasing cholesterol levels among youngsters.

A key factor to many youngsters being affected by cholesterol is a sedentary lifestyle. “The youth today live on pizzas, burgers and aerated drinks. The intake of junk and oily food leads to a rise in cholesterol level,” says Dr Jagadeesh.

“Whenever we get a case of high cholesterol level among youngsters, we generally don’t recommend any medication for them. They are allowed around three to six months time to alter their lifestyle habits and reduce the cholesterol limit. But if the patient comes back with no change in the level of cholesterol even after six months of a modified diet and regular exercise, medicine is prescribed,” says Dr Jagadeesh.

For a person who is obese, weight reduction is the only option. Doctors suggest daily exercise in any form, walking, swimming or jogging, as it helps bring down the cholesterol level.

A comprehensive heart check-up revealed that Anirudh Saran had a high cholesterol level. The 28 year old investment banker says, “During my official trip to Hong Kong for 10 days, last December, I had gained six kilos. According to my BMI, I should ideally weigh 73 kilos. But I was 85 kgs then. My wife was worried about my obesity. At her insistence, I went in for a comprehensive cardiac check-up which showed my cholesterol level was high,” he says.

After sticking to a strict diet of non-oily food throughout the week and a daily swim Anirudh is hoping his second round of check-ups in June will bring good news.

“Brisk walking or aerobics for at least 30 to 45 minutes is a must for youngsters with high cholesterol levels. They should try and incorporate more oats, soya and barley in their meals. A high fibre diet is suitable for people with high cholesterol,” says Sreemathy Venkatraman, chief dietician, Manipal Speciality Hospital.

What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is found naturally in the blood stream and body cells. Cholesterol, a soft waxy lipid (fat) that cannot be dissolved in the blood, is important for, amongst other things, cell membrane production and some hormone production.
It comes from two sources:
We take in fats when we eat animal products such as meat, fish, poultry, eggs, butter, and cheese.
Our own bodies produce it. Some foods, although they do not contain animal fats may contain trans-fats that cause the body to produce cholesterol.

How do I keep it in control?
Schedule a screening
Eat foods low in cholesterol and saturated fat and free of trans fat
Maintain a healthy weight
Be physically active
Follow your healthcare professional's advice