08 October 2010
Bangalore, India
Bangaloreans need to take care, for they seem to be on a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) than any other city in India. A survey conducted by Saffolalite to study lipid profiles that was spread across cities and around 60,000 respondents, revealed that Bangalore is at a higher risk of CVD (54.3%) than the national average of 44.8%. Kolkata had a much better lipid profile than other metros.
Is it the carbohydrate rich diet that South Indians eat that has resulted in this high percentage? According to cardiologist Dr S S Ramesh, "Hypertriglyceridemia is common among diabetics and people who consume high carbohydrate diet. South Indians are predominantly rice eaters and rice primarily contains carbohydrates. Diabetes is also more common among South Indians than those from the North. Because of these two factors, high triglycerides is more common among Bangaloreans."
No wonder, Bangalore, Chennai and Hyderabad have a high proportion of people with a poor triglyceride profile. The study concludes that while men aged between 30 and 39 are at high risk for CVD, the indicators start appearing at an earlier age (26 years). For women, indicators start appearing when they’re 35 and those in the age group of 50–59 are at high risk.
Similarly, four in every ten men are at risk with an unfavourable Total Cholesterol to HDL ratio. Among women, one in four are at the same risk. Men have higher risk factors, but postmenopausal women are very vulnerable.
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