New Delhi, Sept 30: A nationwide study has sounded an urgent warning for India’s young and middle-aged population. Abnormal cholesterol levels are emerging as a silent but significant threat, with research revealing that one in four Indians may already be at risk of heart disease.
The analysis, based on 3.9 lakh lipid profile tests conducted across the country, found consistently low levels of HDL — the “good cholesterol” — across all age groups, regardless of obesity. Experts say this underscores the pressing need for early screening and preventive lifestyle interventions.
Dr. Kirti Chadha, Chief Scientific and Innovation Officer, Metropolis Healthcare Limited.
“Heart disease is no longer confined to older age. It has become one of India’s most persistent health challenges, with risks building silently across all age groups,” said Dr. Kirti Chadha, Chief Scientific and Innovation Officer, Metropolis Healthcare Limited.
“The growing prevalence of lipid abnormalities in younger adults should serve as a wake-up call. What we need now is a shift in mindset — from treating heart attacks after they occur to preventing them through regular testing, lifestyle changes, and greater public awareness. Often, a simple lipid profile test can detect risks long before symptoms appear,” she added.
The study reveals a concerning shift in India’s cardiovascular landscape: one in four individuals shows abnormal cholesterol levels, with low HDL emerging as the single most common risk factor. These abnormalities are no longer confined to older adults or those who are obese.
Nearly 60% of the tests were conducted among people aged 31–60 years. Within this group, cholesterol and triglyceride abnormalities were notably high, pointing to a crucial window for preventive action through lifestyle modification, regular monitoring, and timely medical intervention.
What is particularly alarming is the early onset of risk. More than one in three young adults (19–30 years) already exhibit low HDL levels, while nearly 17% show borderline high cholesterol — a pattern once associated predominantly with older adults. Experts warn that India’s heart health crisis is now beginning in the 20s, driven by sedentary lifestyles, processed diets, and metabolic stress.
Mr. Surendran Chemmenkotil, Managing Director, Metropolis Healthcare Limited.
A striking insight from the study is that these abnormalities are increasingly independent of obesity. Many individuals who appear otherwise healthy were found to have low HDL and elevated triglycerides. This highlights diet quality, sedentary behaviour, stress, and inadequate physical activity as major drivers of cardiovascular risk.
In response to this growing challenge, Metropolis Healthcare has launched the ‘Healthy Heart Meter’ campaign to encourage preventive care and raise awareness. The campaign includes a simple five-question survey that helps individuals assess their cardiovascular risk based on lifestyle choices, medical history, and health indicators.
The study also found that 25% of individuals recorded borderline to very high LDL cholesterol, underscoring the widespread nature of lipid imbalance.
Mr. Surendran Chemmenkotil, Managing Director, Metropolis Healthcare Limited, said: “At Metropolis Healthcare, we are committed to advancing early detection and proactive management of chronic health conditions. Increasing public awareness and understanding of cardiovascular risks can significantly improve early diagnosis, help prevent severe outcomes, and ultimately save lives.”
“By analysing in-house data and designing initiatives like the ‘Healthy Heart Meter’, we aim to empower individuals with actionable insights into their heart health and encourage timely diagnostic interventions. ,” he added.
