Latest news with #SaritaRao
News18
07-07-2025
- Health
- News18
Keep Your Cholesterol In Check: Here's What Doctors Wish You Knew About High LDL Cholesterol
Last Updated: Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death in the country, accounting for nearly 7.8% of total mortalities Across the country, episodes of heart-related conditions like heart attacks are becoming increasingly common. But doctors are raising an alarm: high LDL cholesterol (also known as 'bad cholesterol") is showing up more frequently in India's younger population and it's a silent threat. Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death in the country, accounting for nearly 7.8% of total mortalities. Behind many of these cases lies high LDL cholesterol, which plays a critical role in blocking arteries and triggering conditions like atherosclerosis and strokes. Dr. Sarita Rao, Senior Interventional Cardiologist and Director of Cathlab, Apollo Hospital, Indore, says, 'The role of LDL cholesterol (LDLC) in the development of atherosclerosis is well documented, where LDLC tends to accumulate and form plaque, creating blockages in the arteries and restricting blood flow. What makes it even more concerning is that high LDLC, like most heart conditions, doesn't show any symptoms. By the time there is chest pain or any warning sign, a cardiac event could already be underway and it may be too late. So, bringing high LDL cholesterol down to target levels is the primary objective for preventing serious heart conditions." Why Indians Need to Be Extra Cautious When compared to Western populations, Indians have been found to have higher levels of LDL cholesterol and lower levels of HDL cholesterol (the 'good" cholesterol that helps remove LDL from the bloodstream). This is why doctors recommend that cholesterol screening begin as early as 18 years of age. Early testing helps in detecting silent threats and allows one to take action before things escalate. People who may appear fit can still have high LDL cholesterol. 'I'm in my 30s, I work out regularly and eat clean," shares Delhi-based Ajay. 'I was confused and surprised when a routine test showed that I had high LDLC. My cardiologist explained that elevated LDL cholesterol could have various reasons and encouraged me to continue medical therapy alongside my healthy routine." It's Not Just About Eating Right We know that lifestyle modifications like a healthy diet, regular exercise, and stress management are essential but they're not always enough. Doctors emphasize that medical therapy should not be delayed or skipped, especially if your LDLC numbers are beyond the target range. Each patient's treatment journey is unique. Factors such as age, family history, diabetes status, or previous cardiac events all influence an individual's LDLC targets. This is why personalized treatment plans are crucial. It's important to seek professional medical advice and actively participate in treatment. However, in India, it's observed that only about 60% of patients adhere to their prescribed medication, a worrying trend. Misconceptions often lead people to stop their medication, which causes a rebound in LDL levels and heightens cardiovascular risk. Moreover, stress, poor sleep, and metabolic imbalances can also elevate LDLC levels. These factors contribute to chronic inflammation, prompting the body to produce more LDL cholesterol, thereby increasing the risk of a heart attack or stroke. When Lifestyle Isn't Enough – Advanced Therapy Is Key For patients who don't respond well to conventional statins, advanced therapies are increasingly being prescribed. Targeted treatments like PCSK9 inhibitors, siRNA therapy, or inclisiran show great promise in helping patients reach their target LDLC levels when standard options fall short. Always remember: high LDL cholesterol may not show symptoms but its consequences can be fatal. Whether you're a gym regular or someone who's never thought twice about your cholesterol, it's time to get screened, stay informed, and stick to your treatment plan for a healthier heart.
News18
30-06-2025
- Health
- News18
Why Are Younger People Suffering More Heart Attacks Post-COVID?
Last Updated: Heart attacks are rising among young adults post-COVID, driven by hidden risks and lasting effects of the virus. In recent years, heart attacks among young adults have been on the rise—a shift that has become more pronounced since the COVID-19 pandemic. Once considered a disease of older age, cardiovascular events are now increasingly seen in younger individuals due to a mix of direct viral effects, lifestyle disruptions, and hidden health risks. While initially recognized as a respiratory illness, COVID-19 has since been shown to exert significant and lasting effects on the cardiovascular system. The virus promotes inflammation in blood vessels, increases blood coagulability, and can trigger spikes in blood pressure—mechanisms that elevate the risk of heart attacks, particularly in patients with existing but often undiagnosed conditions such as high LDL cholesterol, obesity, hypertension, and diabetes. Dr. Sarita Rao, Senior Interventional Cardiologist, Apollo Hospitals, shares all you need to know: Emerging evidence supports this growing concern. A large-scale study involving over 150,000 individuals with a history of COVID-19 infection found substantially increased risks of myocardial infarction, heart failure, arrhythmias, and stroke—even in those with no prior heart disease. A recent NIH-supported study published in Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology further revealed that people infected during the pandemic's first wave had double the risk of major cardiovascular events, with those hospitalized facing up to a fourfold increase. This elevated risk persisted for up to three years post-infection, often rivaling or exceeding traditional risk factors like diabetes. Although mild COVID-19 cases do not appear to significantly raise heart attack risk directly, the broader lifestyle and environmental consequences of the pandemic have had a substantial impact on young adults' cardiovascular health. Importantly, vaccination has emerged as a protective factor. Studies from multiple countries—including India, the U.S., South Korea, and the U.K.—have demonstrated that vaccinated individuals are less likely to suffer from acute cardiac complications, largely due to reduced illness severity and better preservation of lipid profiles. Ultimately, the rise in heart attacks among younger adults is not merely a consequence of COVID-19 but a reflection of deeper, multifactorial vulnerabilities that the pandemic has brought to the surface. The convergence of genetic predisposition, sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy diets, environmental exposures, and chronic stress has created fertile ground for early cardiovascular disease. COVID-19 has acted as both a trigger and an amplifier of these underlying risks. Addressing this growing crisis demands a comprehensive approach—one that includes early cardiovascular screening, preventive care, promotion of healthy behaviors, and robust public health interventions. As we move forward in the post-pandemic era, prioritizing heart health in younger populations is essential to reversing current trends and securing a healthier future. Dr. Sarita Rao, Senior Interventional Cardiologist & Director Cathlab, Apollo Hospitals Indore
