New Delhi: Experts warned on Saturday that high cholesterol and microplastics are emerging as extremely severe risk factors for cardiovascular disorders such as heart attack and stroke.
While cholesterol has generally been associated with an older population, recent years have shown a significant increase in cholesterol levels in young people.
This silent health risk frequently goes unrecognised, as excessive cholesterol does not cause obvious symptoms until major harm happens.
Speaking to IANS, Dr Preeti Gupta, a Professor of Cardiology at Safdarjung Hospital, Delhi, said that early screenings and keeping cholesterol and LDL-C levels (bad cholesterol) in check can make a big difference.
Regular lipid profile testing and monitoring of one’s health can help catch warning signs before they become serious problems.
“Elevated LDL-C levels are a significant contributor to coronary artery disease, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes. Monitoring and managing these levels through lifestyle changes and medication, if necessary, are key to preventing heart disease,” Gupta said.
“For people with comorbidities like diabetes or hypertension, the lipid profile becomes even more crucial, as they are at higher risk of developing heart issues,” she added.
Rihanna Realises What it Is to Be the Mother of a Boy…It is Like ‘An Olympic Sport’
According to recent guidelines from the Cardiological Society of India, LDL-C levels should be monitored regularly to ensure they stay within optimal ranges, particularly in high-risk individuals.
The lipid profile is one of the most important tests for assessing cardiovascular risk. It provides a detailed view of cholesterol levels, including LDL-C (bad cholesterol), HDL-C (good cholesterol), and triglycerides.
Gupta recommended “starting the test at age 18 and repeating every 4-6 years unless risk factors suggest more frequent testing”.
Dr Vidya Suratkal, a Cardiologist at Lilavati Hospital Mumbai, said, “High cholesterol levels in youngsters aged 19-24 can cause a 50 percent spike in heart disease risk during middle age (35-50).”
“About 7 out of 10 youngsters visiting me are having high cholesterol levels,” he added.
The experts cited obesity, smoking, family history, genetics, thyroid problems, unhealthy diet, high blood pressure, sedentary lifestyles, and alcohol as the major risk factors for elevated cholesterol levels, which are putting young hearts in danger.
Dr Sandeep Banerjee, Pathologist at Apollo Diagnostic Mumbai, advised the youth “to do the lipid profile test every 8-9 months as recommended by the doctor and adhere to a well-balanced lifestyle that includes eating a nutritious diet, exercising, and sleeping well.”
Meanwhile, the experts noted that microplastics in the bloodstream also emerge as a hidden link to cardiovascular disorders.
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than five millimetres in size. They are ubiquitous in the environment and have infiltrated every part of human life.
They have permeated the ecosystem’s core, from oceans and soils to the food people eat and the water they drink.
Recent research reveals a concerning link between microplastics and human health, especially regarding their impact on the bloodstream, heart disease, and even neurological disorders.
“Once microplastics enter the bloodstream, they can trigger an immune response, leading to persistent inflammation. This chronic inflammation has the potential to disrupt normal bodily functions, and over time, is strongly associated with a range of serious health issues, including cardiovascular diseases and neurological disorders,” said Dr Praveen Gupta, Principal Director & Chief of Neurology, Fortis Hospital.
The long-term impact of microplastic exposure is becoming a critical concern for public health.
For more updates Subscribe to Media Eye News
