A nationwide study has revealed that nearly nine out of 10 Indian adults have at least one abnormal blood lipid level, highlighting a growing yet largely unnoticed public health concern. Doctors say dyslipidemia—an imbalance of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood—significantly increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, even in people who appear healthy.
The findings are based on the ICMR-INDIAB national study, which assessed lipid profiles of over 23,000 adults across India. Researchers found that 87.3% of participants had at least one lipid abnormality, making dyslipidemia one of the country’s most common cardiovascular risk factors.
Low HDL Cholesterol Drives the Burden
The study identified low HDL (high-density lipoprotein), commonly known as “good cholesterol,” as the most prevalent abnormality, affecting nearly two-thirds of adults. In addition, elevated LDL (“bad cholesterol”), high triglycerides and high total cholesterol were also widespread.
As per The Times of India, the burden of abnormal blood lipids is higher among women, urban residents and people living in Central India. However, experts stress that the condition affects every region and demographic group.
Lifestyle Diseases Increase the Risk
Researchers observed that dyslipidemia becomes more common among people with prediabetes, diabetes, obesity and hypertension. At the same time, a significant number of metabolically healthy individuals also showed abnormal lipid levels, indicating that cholesterol problems can develop even in the absence of obvious health conditions.
Sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy diets, excess body weight and poor metabolic health continue to fuel the growing prevalence of dyslipidemia across the country.
Early Screening Can Prevent Heart Disease
Health experts emphasize that abnormal cholesterol levels rarely cause noticeable symptoms, making regular lipid screening essential. Early diagnosis, coupled with a balanced diet, regular physical activity, weight management and timely medical treatment, can substantially lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.
The researchers have called for broader cholesterol screening programmes and stronger public awareness campaigns to identify high-risk individuals early and reduce India’s growing burden of heart disease.