Guidelines for managing the ‘silent killer’ of high cholesterol and preventing heart disease | Health News

For high-risk groups of people with high blood pressure and diabetes, the guidelines suggest a goal of LDL of 70 milligrams per deciliter and non-HDL cholesterol of less than 100 mg/DL. High-risk people, such as those with a history of kidney disease, angina, heart attack or stroke, should aim for a high cholesterol level.

The CSI released guidelines that take into account the results of a 2023 study published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology. (Photo credit: Luis Alvarez/DigitalVision/Getty Images)

New Delhi: Heart attacks used to be a cause for concern among the elderly. However, since the Covid pandemic, incidents have been reported among younger people, even teenagers. Following this, the Cardiological Society of India (CSI) has for the first time released a set of guidelines for Indians for the management of dyslipidemia. It has also been reported that Indians suffer from strokes and heart attacks a decade earlier than people living in the West.

What is dyslipidemia?

Dyslipidemia or high cholesterol refers to a condition characterized by abnormal levels of lipids in the blood. According to the Cleveland Clinic, excess bad cholesterol can clog arteries and restrict blood flow throughout the body. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is the bad cholesterol because it hardens plaque deposits in blood vessels and makes it difficult for blood to flow throughout the body. In some cases, this can lead to a blood clot that can eventually contribute to the risk of heart attack or stroke.

High cholesterol, if left untreated, can increase the risk of chronic heart diseases such as coronary artery disease and can also cause sudden cardiac arrest. According to doctors, this problem can be treated by following a good exercise program, eating healthy fats and quitting smoking. Medications can also help.

CSI Guidelines for Cholesterol Management

The IHC has issued guidelines taking into account the findings of a 2023 study published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology that found that dyslipidemia is prevalent in 81.2% of Indians. It states that cholesterol should be less than 100 mg/DL (milligrams of sugar per deciliter) for the general population and those at low risk as well. The guidelines also suggest maintaining non-HDL cholesterol (total cholesterol, less good cholesterol) levels below 130 milligrams per deciliter.

For high-risk groups of people with high blood pressure and diabetes, the guidelines suggest a goal of LDL of 70 milligrams per deciliter and non-HDL cholesterol of less than 100 mg/DL. High-risk people, such as those with a history of kidney disease, angina, heart attack or stroke, should aim for a high cholesterol level.

According to the guidelines, people at very high risk, such as those with a history of heart attack, angina, stroke or chronic kidney disease, should aim for LDL-C levels below 55 milligrams per deciliter and non-HDL-C levels below 85 milligrams per deciliter. The guidelines also mark a shift from traditional fasting methods. They also suggest that lipid profiles should be done at age 18 or younger for people who have a family history of premature heart disease or high LDL levels. Doctors strictly recommend following a healthy lifestyle to better manage these health conditions.