One in four Indians shows abnormal cholesterol levels: Metropolis study

An analysis of 3.9 lakh lipid profile tests conducted by laboratory chain Metropolis Healthcare across India over the past year indicates that one in four individuals shows abnormal cholesterol levels, with low levels of ‘good cholesterol’ (HDL) emerging as the single most common risk factor—a concerning shift in India’s cardiovascular landscape.

While 35% of individuals showed low HDL levels, significantly increasing their risk of cardiovascular disease, about 30% had elevated total cholesterol, and 33% exhibited abnormal triglycerides, both strong predictors of heart disease. The findings also suggest 24% showed borderline or high non-HDL cholesterol—a powerful indicator of atherosclerosis, and 25% recorded borderline to very high LDL cholesterol—underscoring the widespread nature of lipid imbalance.

The findings underscore that lipid abnormalities are no longer confined to older adults or those with obesity; they are also prevalent in younger individuals. Nearly 60% of all tests were conducted among individuals aged 31–60 years, and within this group, cholesterol and triglyceride abnormalities were notably high—highlighting a crucial window for preventive action through lifestyle modification, regular monitoring, and timely medical intervention.

The analysis showed that 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 seen predominantly in older adults. 

“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. 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,” Dr Kirti Chadha, Chief Scientific and Innovation Officer, Metropolis Healthcare Limited, said.

In response to the growing cardiovascular challenge, Metropolis has launched the ‘Healthy Heart Meter’ campaign to encourage preventive care and raise awareness about heart health. The campaign features a simple five-question survey to help individuals assess their cardiovascular risk based on lifestyle choices, medical history, and basic health indicators.

“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. This reflects our unwavering commitment to identifying risks early and enabling better health outcomes,” Surendran Chemmenkotil, managing director, Metropolis Healthcare, said.