Childhood cholesterol test at age 10 can detect inherited heart disease risk: Experts

Speaking at the India Today HealthWealth Summit 2026 during a session titled Bimariyon ka Baap Motapa, Dr Anoop Misra, executive chairman and director at Fortis C-DOC, and Dr Ashok Seth, chairman of Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, highlighted how obesity can increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes and kidney disorders. They stressed the importance of looking beyond body weight to identify hidden fat, monitor waist circumference and recognise other risk factors that can affect long-term health.

Obesity is emerging as a major health concern in India, with cardiovascular disease increasingly affecting younger people. The doctors emphasised that preventing complications requires early identification of risk factors, healthier dietary habits and regular physical activity.

The discussion also highlighted the role of unhealthy diets, prolonged sitting, smoking, alcohol consumption, stress and pollution in cardiovascular health. The doctors called for greater awareness about weight management and early screening to help people identify potential health risks before serious complications develop.HEART DISEASE IS NO LONGER LIMITED TO OLDER PEOPLE

Dr Ashok Seth warned that heart disease is no longer a condition that affects only older adults. He highlighted the growing concern around heart attacks among younger Indians, pointing to estimates that around 50 per cent of heart attacks in India occur in people below the age of 50.

The discussion also highlighted a reported rise of around 200 per cent in heart disease over the last 15 years. Such figures underline the need to examine changing lifestyles, obesity and other cardiovascular risk factors, although the exact increase depends on the population and measure being considered.

Heart disease can develop over several years, often without obvious symptoms in its early stages. This makes it important to identify high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, diabetes and other risk factors before they lead to serious complications.HIDDEN FAT CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF DISEASE

Dr Anoop Misra stressed that excess fat is not simply a cosmetic concern. Fat accumulation, particularly around internal organs, can contribute to metabolic problems and increase the risk of several chronic diseases.

He drew attention to invisible fat, which may not be apparent from a person's appearance or overall body weight. Visceral fat, which surrounds internal organs, is associated with insulin resistance and a higher risk of metabolic disorders. A clinical assessment can help identify risks that may not be obvious from looking at a person.

Misra also highlighted the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between muscle and fat. Indians may have a relatively high proportion of body fat and lower muscle mass despite not appearing overweight. This means that body weight alone may not provide a complete picture of a person's health.

Maintaining muscle through regular physical activity, adequate protein intake and balanced nutrition can support metabolic health. However, reducing excess body fat is equally important, particularly when fat accumulates around the abdomen.WAIST CIRCUMFERENCE CAN OFFER IMPORTANT CLUES

The doctors discussed waist circumference as a simple measure that can help identify abdominal obesity. The figures cited during the session were more than 36 inches for men and 32 inches for women.

A larger waist circumference can indicate an increased risk of metabolic conditions, including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. However, waist measurements should be considered alongside other factors, such as blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, age and family history.

The discussion also highlighted seven broad risk factors associated with heart health: unhealthy diet, smoking, alcohol consumption, prolonged sitting, high stress, obesity and pollution. The effects of these factors can overlap, making it important to address several lifestyle habits together rather than focusing on weight alone.

The doctors also discussed the potential impact of COVID on cardiovascular health. Some people experience heart or blood vessel complications after infection, although the risk varies and should be assessed individually.advertisementEARLY SCREENING CAN HELP IDENTIFY HEART RISKSThe discussion highlighted the importance of recognising heart conditions in children and young adults. Some young people who die suddenly from cardiac causes are later found to have previously undiagnosed heart conditions.

Family history, unexplained fainting, chest pain during exercise and a history of sudden cardiac death in close relatives can be important warning signs that require medical evaluation.

The doctors referred to cholesterol testing and echocardiography as ways to assess certain heart risks. However, these tests are not necessary for every child. Cholesterol screening depends on factors such as age, family history and other risk factors, while an echocardiogram is generally recommended when symptoms, examination findings or family history suggest a possible heart condition.

Early assessment can help identify inherited cholesterol disorders and structural heart problems, allowing doctors to recommend appropriate monitoring or treatment.WEIGHT TRAINING ALONE IS NOT ENOUGH FOR HEART HEALTH

The doctors also emphasised that exercise routines should support overall cardiovascular fitness rather than focus exclusively on building muscle. Weight training can improve strength and help maintain muscle mass, but it should ideally be combined with aerobic activity.

Brisk walking, cycling, swimming and other activities that raise the heart rate can help improve cardiovascular fitness. Adults are generally advised to aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week, along with muscle strengthening exercises on two or more days.

Diet also remains central to weight and heart health. Misra highlighted mustard oil as an affordable cooking option. However, no single cooking oil can prevent heart disease. The overall amount and type of fat consumed, portion sizes and the quality of the overall diet matter more than relying on one ingredient.

A healthy breakfast can include a combination of protein, fibre and other essential nutrients, such as whole grains, pulses, fruits, nuts and dairy products, depending on individual needs.

The central message from the session was that preventing obesity related complications requires more than losing weight. Identifying hidden fat, building muscle, staying physically active, eating a balanced diet and screening for relevant risk factors can help people protect their heart health over the long term.