High cholesterol Level Among Keralites : A Study

High cholesterol Level Among Keralites : A Study

Kochi: A study presented at the recent World Diabetology Congress in Kochi warned that high levels of Cholesterol was being reported among the Keralite population in its productive years. The study, titled ‘Very High Levels of Untreated Cholesterol in Kerala Population’ was conducted by Diabscreen Kerala.

“Our literacy is turning out to be a curse as most people are not treating cholesterol. They do not adhere to be strict diet or change their lifestyle. We surveyed a population of 10000 across the state through 400 camps and found that most people had discontinued their medicine once their cholesterol levels came down. They did not continue their diet or exercise”, said Dr. Jothydev Kesavadev, who presented the study at the conference.

He said  Keralite population had high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes and faced subsequent complications like heart attacks, strokes and chronic kidney diseases. “ We had earlier reported the discontinuation of satin therapy ( common medication to lower cholesterol levels) in more than 80% of subjects despite detection of dyslipidemia (abnormal level of lipids in blood). This data was presented in Berlin last year” said the doctor.

Normal person’s cholesterol level is below 200 mg/dl. The study says it should be about 150mg/dl for Keralite as almost half of the general adult population has higher cholesterol levels. One should always monitor cholesterol levels even if he/she is taking medicine. “One needs to understand that if your cholesterol levels are high-risk category should keep ‘150 mg/dl] as a cut-off figure. Most women face diabetes, heart problems after menopause”, he said.

Note: Shared from TOI, Kerala for public interest.