While a majority of the Indian population battles malnutrition, the residents of Delhi battle high cholesterol levels. A study suggests that almost 58 percent of Delhiites have high cholesterol levels, and this serious problem seems to be a result of over-eating and an extremely sedentary lifestyle. Cholesterol is a soft, waxy fat that the body needs to function properly. A simple cholesterol test will give you the level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, also known as 'good cholestrol', low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, also known as 'bad cholesterol' and triglycerides. Out of the 9,596 samples tested for lipid profile, LDL (bad cholesterol) levels were high in 58 percent of the people whereas total cholesterol and triglycerides were high in 20-30 percent of the people, suggests the study done by Metropolis Healthcare Ltd.
High levels of lipoprotein (LDL) puts one at greater risk for a heart attack, which could be triggered by a sudden blood clot in an artery narrowed by atherosclerosis (a clogging or hardening of the arteries). From those screened for cholesterol levels as part of the survey, many were young and showed first signs of the onset of a heart ailment - hypercholesterolemia and hypertension. The study findings show that this unhealthy trend is a direct result of a number of factors. Namely, over-eating, increased intake of junk food and a sedentary lifestyle. (More: How to manage your cholesterol) Researchers at Metropolis suggested that frequent cholesterol screening for bad cholesterol and lipid levels could help identify people at a greater risk of hypertension. (More: Sip this tea to lower bad cholesterol) Metropolis Healthcare is a multinational chain of diagnostic centers with over 700 collection centers across India, Sri Lanka, South Africa and Middle East. With inputs from IANS