5 Min Read
Most of the time, it begins quietly with no symptoms, pain, or warning signals. However, excessive cholesterol is one of the main causes of heart attacks and strokes worldwide, and it is becoming more and more common in Pune and other urban areas of India.
Many of the patients we treat at Manipal Hospital Baner appear healthy on the exterior, but their blood tests show alarmingly high cholesterol, which shocks them. "The good news?" We're here to help you navigate it, and with the correct support and care, it's totally doable.
Synopsis
- Cholesterol: What Is It?
- Why Do Cities Like Pune Have Increasing Cholesterol Levels?
- Common Causes of High Cholesterol
- Long-Term Complications of Untreated Cholesterol
- What You Can Do Today: Lifestyle Tips from Our Experts
- Prevention is Power, Especially in Your 30s and 40s
- India's Cholesterol Crisis: A Growing Concern
- Conclusion
Cholesterol: What Is It?
Your liver produces the waxy, fat-like material known as cholesterol, which is present in some foods. It is essential for the production of hormones and the development of cells in your body.
Yet, when cholesterol levels get too high, particularly the "bad" cholesterol, it begins to accumulate in your arteries, narrowing them and increasing your chance of developing dangerous diseases like:
-
Coronary arterial disease.
-
Attacks on the heart.
-
A stroke.
There are two kinds:
LDL: Low-Density Lipoprotein Arteries are clogged by "bad" cholesterol.
LDL is cleared by HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein), the "good" one.
Why Do Cities Like Pune Have Increasing Cholesterol Levels?
One of the main causes of the issue is modern urban lifestyles, particularly in fast-paced cities like Pune:
-
We move fewer times and sit more.
-
Consume sugary drinks, deep-fried snacks, and high-fat meals more frequently when dining out.
-
Don't consume outside food, work late, or overeat at night.
-
Have trouble sleeping and dealing with ongoing stress.
-
High cholesterol is associated with an increase in the prevalence of thyroid issues, PCOS, and diabetes.
-
The risks also rise when family history is included.
Common Causes of High Cholesterol
Let’s simplify the main triggers:
Poor Diet
Eating too much red meat, processed foods, fried snacks, bakery items, or full-fat dairy can raise your LDL levels.
Lack of Exercise
Without regular physical activity, your body can’t clear excess fat efficiently. It also lowers your “good” HDL cholesterol.
Being Overweight
Excess weight, especially around your belly, increases LDL and triglycerides — another harmful fat in the blood.
Family History
Some people are genetically predisposed to produce more cholesterol than others (familial hypercholesterolemia).
Underlying Conditions
Thyroid issues, uncontrolled diabetes, PCOS, and kidney or liver disorders can all increase cholesterol levels.
But Wait, Are There Any Symptoms?
Here’s the tricky part: High cholesterol usually shows no symptoms at all.
You might feel perfectly healthy and still be at risk. That’s why we call it a “silent threat.”
Rare visible signs (usually in severe inherited cases) include:
-
Fatty yellow deposits around the eyes (xanthelasmas)
-
Lumps on tendons (tendon xanthomas)
-
White ring around the iris (corneal arcus)
Most people only find out during a routine health check-up or after a heart attack. That’s why screening is key, especially if you're above 35 or have risk factors.
So, Who Is At Risk?
You could be at higher risk if:
-
You’re above 40 years old.
-
You’re overweight or obese.
-
You have diabetes, PCOS, or thyroid disease.
-
You’re a smoker or drinker regularly.
-
You’re mostly sedentary.
-
Your parents or siblings have heart issues or high cholesterol.
If any of these apply, it’s time to book your lipid profile test at Manipal Hospital Baner.
Long-Term Complications of Untreated Cholesterol
Ignoring high cholesterol can lead to:
-
Atherosclerosis – Arteries become hard and narrow.
-
Heart Attack - Blood flow to the heart is blocked.
-
Stroke - Blood supply to the brain gets cut off.
-
Peripheral Artery Disease – Poor blood circulation in limbs.
These are life-threatening conditions, but they are also preventable if action is taken early.
What You Can Do Today: Lifestyle Tips from Our Experts
Our cardiologists and dietitians at Manipal Hospital Baner recommend the following practical changes. Consult a trusted cardiologist in Baner, Pune for personalised heart care:
1. Eat Smart
Choose home-cooked meals over restaurant food.
Include oats, whole grains, fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds.
Use healthy oils like mustard, sunflower, or olive oil.
Cut down on ghee, butter, fried items, sugary snacks, and processed foods.
2. Move More.
Walk at least 30 minutes a day – even short walks after meals help.
Try swimming, yoga, dancing, or cycling – anything you enjoy.
3. Quit Smoking.
Smoking damages arteries and lowers your good cholesterol.
4. Reduce Alcohol.
Moderation is key. Alcohol can increase triglycerides and LDL.
5. Manage Stress & Sleep.
Chronic stress and sleep deprivation disturb hormone balance and increase bad fats in the blood.
Prevention is Power, Especially in Your 30s and 40s
Don’t wait for a warning sign. Prevention is always easier than a cure.
Here’s how we help you take control at Manipal Hospital Baner:
Lipid Profile Testing.
Heart Risk Assessment (with ECG, Echo, Stress Test)
Personalised Diet & Fitness Plans.
Medication Management (if needed)
Ongoing Follow-up with the Cardiology Team.
Even if your cholesterol is borderline, small changes today can save your heart tomorrow.
India's Cholesterol Crisis: A Growing Concern
According to the World Health Organisation:
-
High cholesterol causes over 2.6 million deaths annually worldwide.
-
Over 39% of adults have raised cholesterol.
-
In India, urban adults have cholesterol levels rising faster than ever due to sedentary jobs, fast food, and rising obesity.
That’s why Baner residents and working professionals are now opting for preventive heart checks, and it’s making a difference.
You can’t see cholesterol, but you can control it. All it takes is awareness, a few lifestyle changes, and the right medical support.
Don’t wait for symptoms.
Don’t ignore family history.
Don’t underestimate stress, food, or inactivity.
Conclusion
Whether you need a simple cholesterol test, a personalised consultation, or a complete cardiac evaluation, our team is here to support you at every step. Book Your Heart Health Check at Manipal Hospital Baner Today!
