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World Heart Day 2024: Why Early Cholesterol Screening is Vital for India's Youth

With World Heart Day 2024 upon us, it's important to shed light on the rising concerns about heart health among young people. While heart disease is often associated with older adults, emerging research and expert opinions suggest that younger populations are also at risk, especially when it comes to high cholesterol levels.

Understanding Cholesterol and its Risks

Cholesterol, a fatty substance found in the blood, is essential for normal body functioning. However, excessive amounts can be harmful. High cholesterol, medically known as hypercholesterolemia, often results from an unhealthy lifestyle that includes poor dietary choices, physical inactivity, smoking, and stress. While older adults are more prone to elevated cholesterol due to age-related metabolic changes, younger people are not exempt from these risks.

Traditionally, cholesterol screening has been focused on older adults, but experts now emphasize the importance of early testing for young people as well.

Rising Cholesterol Levels Among the Youth

Studies have revealed that urban youth in India are increasingly susceptible to high cholesterol. Experts warn that roughly 25-30% of young people in cities and 15-20% in rural areas have elevated cholesterol levels. Genetic conditions like familial hypercholesterolemia, combined with unhealthy lifestyle habits, contribute to these alarming figures. Even more concerning is that around 20% of young people remain unaware of their cholesterol status, leading to long-term heart health risks.

A report published in a famous journal in USA highlighted that young individuals with high cholesterol levels face a greater risk of developing heart disease later in life, even if their cholesterol levels are controlled before the age of 30. This reinforces the need for young people to actively monitor and maintain their cholesterol levels from an early age.

The Importance of Early Cholesterol Screening

Medical experts recommend that cholesterol screening should begin as early as 18 years of age, especially for individuals with a family history of heart disease or unhealthy lifestyle habits. Early detection can prevent the silent buildup of cholesterol in arteries, reducing the likelihood of heart attacks or strokes at a young age. Delaying these screenings could mean missed opportunities for timely intervention.

Doctors stress the importance of regular check-ups and discussions with healthcare professionals. By reviewing one’s lipid profile and risk factors, medical experts can create personalized treatment plans to keep cholesterol levels in check.

Lifestyle Changes to Combat High Cholesterol

To reduce the risk of high cholesterol and heart disease, young people should adopt healthy lifestyle habits early on. These include regular physical activity, avoiding smoking, reducing alcohol intake, eating a balanced diet rich in nutrients, and maintaining a healthy weight. However, experts caution that lifestyle changes alone may not be enough—frequent cholesterol screenings are still necessary to monitor health effectively.

Suggested Tests: A simple lipid profile test can assess cholesterol levels.

Walk Your Way to a Healthier Heart: How Commuting on Foot Can Improve Your Well-being

A new study suggests that commuting on foot, even for just 45 minutes a day, can significantly improve your heart health. Researchers discovered that people who walk to work for at least 45 minutes a day—just over 20 minutes each way—have better cardiovascular health compared to those who drive or use public transport.

Why is This Important?

The study focused on C-reactive protein (CRP), a harmful molecule in the blood that indicates inflammation. High levels of CRP are linked to a greater risk of blood clots, which can cause heart attacks and strokes. In simple terms, inflammation in your arteries is bad news for your heart and brain, as it can block the oxygen-rich blood they need to function properly.

What the Research Showed

The researchers followed over 6,000 working men and women to see how they traveled to work. They also took blood tests to measure their CRP levels. The results, published in a poppular journal, were eye-opening:

• Short Walks Help a Little: People who walked for about 15 minutes a day (around 7 minutes each way) saw a small reduction—about 7%—in their CRP levels. However, this small decrease is not likely to make a huge difference in overall heart health.
• Longer Walks Have a Bigger Impact: Those who walked for 45 minutes daily had CRP levels that were almost 18% lower than those who drove or used public transport. This reduction in CRP levels could lead to significantly better heart health and a lower risk of heart-related problems.

A Wake-Up Call for Commuters

This study serves as a reminder to the millions of people who rely on cars, buses, or trains to get to work. The researchers emphasized that “active commuting,” such as walking, could lead to significant health benefits for the population. Just 45 minutes of walking a day could lower inflammation levels, improving your heart health over time.

What Tests Might You Need?

If you're concerned about your heart health or want to know if walking more could benefit you, your doctor might suggest the following tests:

1. C-reactive Protein (CRP) Test: This blood test measures the level of CRP in your body and can help indicate your risk of heart disease.
2. Cholesterol Test: High cholesterol is another risk factor for heart disease, and it can be easily checked with a blood test.
3. Blood Pressure Check: Regularly monitoring your blood pressure can help you catch early signs of heart disease.

Incorporating a simple habit like walking into your daily routine could make a significant difference in your heart health. So, why not give it a try? Your heart will thank you.

Study Shows Women with Heart Disease Less Likely to Receive Cholesterol-Lowering Medication

A recent study presented at the ESC Preventive Cardiology 2024 congress revealed a concerning trend: women diagnosed with chronic coronary syndrome are less likely to receive cholesterol-lowering medications compared to men.

The Swedish-based research involving1400 patients, investigated treatment patterns for over three years after diagnosis. While both genders received most of the prescribed medications immediately following diagnosis, a steeper decline in medication intake over time was observed in women. Statins, a core medication class for cholesterol management, exhibited a similar gender disparity. Notably, the decline in medication use was seen across all age groups but more pronounced in relatively younger patients (under 60 years old).

Experts suggest this disparity may be rooted in a gender bias within the healthcare system. Potential contributing factors include:

• Physician Bias: Physicians may less likely initiate statin therapy for women compared to men.
• Patient Concerns: Women may be more apprehensive about statin use due to concerns about safety or effectiveness.

These findings are particularly concerning given that while women develop heart disease less frequently than men, they experience a higher mortality rate from it. This underscores the critical need to ensure women receive appropriate preventive care and treatment for cardiovascular disease.

The study authors and healthcare professionals urge the healthcare system to address this disparity through:

• Equal Access to Preventive Care: Ensuring all genders have equal access to preventive healthcare measures.
• Gender-Neutral Prescribing Practices: Implementing prescribing practices that are based on evidence and not influenced by gender.
• Enhanced Awareness of Heart Disease in Women: Raising awareness among healthcare providers and  public regarding the risk of heart disease in women.
• Addressing Gender Bias: Proactively identifying and mitigating gender bias within the healthcare system.

Overall, this study highlights a concerning disparity on how men and women with heart disease are treated. Following the recommendations above, the healthcare system can work towards ensuring that all patients receive the medications they need to prevent heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular complications. An early diagnosis is preventive and an important step towards a better quality of life.