Women in India prone to heart ailments: Study

The analysis is based on more than 3.3 million lipid profile tests performed at SRL diagnostic labs across India between 2014 and 2016.

For the analysis, the samples received from across the country were divided into four zones -- east, west, north and south.

The reports showed abnormal levels of triglycerides in two zones - north (33.11 per cent) and east (35.67 per cent).

Low HDL (high-density lipoprotein) and high total cholesterol levels, on the other hand, were more common in the south (34.15 per cent) and the west (31.90 per cent) zones.

A lipid profile measures the amount of cholesterol present in lipid carrier proteins like low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) etc and triglyceride present in the blood.

High cholesterol levels usually showed no symptoms but often led to the thickening or blocking of arteries, which then resulted in cardiovascular problems such as angina, heart attack or stroke.

Therefore, lipid level diagnosis is one of the most prescribed blood tests worldwide, the study found.

It further showed that the age-group of 46-60 is considered most vulnerable period for cardiovascular diseases in women.

Dr Avinash Phadke, the president technology and mentor (Clinical Pathology) from SRL Diagnostics, said, "Most women worry about breast cancer, but more women die from heart attacks." 

"In India, cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of women. It's an alarming situation as heart attacks appear differently in women than men and it is more fatal in the post-menopausal women. We should all work together to spread awareness in the society." 

High intake of saturated fat, sugar and salt, low consumption of vegetables and whole grains, coupled with sedentary lifestyles, rising stress levels and smoking are the major contributory factors for deterioration of heart health in women in India, Phadke added.