Lipid experts highlight rising heart risks among youth

Conference organisers announce cholesterol awareness app in Urdu, Sindhi and English


IV Report

KARACHI: Health experts have expressed concern over the rising incidence of heart disease among younger people in Pakistan, linking the trend to abnormal blood lipid levels, unhealthy dietary habits and inadequate awareness of cholesterol screening.

Speaking at a press conference at the Karachi Press Club (KPC) on Saturday, on the sidelines of the first Lipid Society of Pakistan Conference, the experts stressed the need for early identification of cardiovascular risk factors, regular screening and lifestyle changes to prevent heart attacks and strokes.

Professor Muhammad Nawaz Lashari, secretary general of the Lipid Society of Pakistan and a professor at Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS), said excessive blood lipid levels were a major contributor to the growing burden of cardiovascular disease. A post-conference press release cited “research” suggesting that 95 per cent of Pakistan’s population had high blood lipid levels but did not identify the study underpinning the figure.

The experts also announced that a digital application focused on cholesterol awareness was being developed for the first time in Pakistan. The app would provide information about good and bad cholesterol in English, Urdu and Sindhi, potentially helping a wider section of the population understand cardiovascular risks and the importance of preventive care.

The speakers noted that many people remained unaware of their cholesterol levels and the importance of a lipid profile test, which measures different types of fats in the blood, including high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglycerides.

They said elevated LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, alongside other risk factors, could increase the likelihood of cardiovascular complications. They urged people to seek appropriate medical advice and undergo cholesterol screening rather than waiting for symptoms to develop.

The experts also attributed growing health concerns among young people partly to changing dietary patterns, including greater consumption of fatty and fried foods and fast food, at the expense of traditional home-cooked meals. They recommended a balanced diet, regular physical activity and timely medical assessment to help reduce the risk of heart disease.

The press conference was attended by cardiologists and other medical professionals, including Professor Muhammad Ishaq, Professor Abdul Rasheed, Professor Khalida Soomro, Professor Rafiq Memon, Professor Jameel Ahmed and Dr Akram Sultan, among others.

The first Lipid Society of Pakistan Conference commenced at a Karachi hotel on Saturday, bringing the issue of cholesterol management and cardiovascular disease prevention into focus.

Photo courtesy: LSP

With an uninterrupted 23-year career in daily journalism (1991-2013), the author/editor of this blog currently serves as Editor of Social Track, a weekly newspaper focused on social sectors, based in Karachi. Holding a master's degree in Mass Communications from the University of Karachi (1990), his professional experience includes roles as senior reporter at Daily Dawn, Karachi (May 2001-August 2013) and Chief Reporter at The News International, Karachi (April 1991-May 2001). He has a strong background in development journalism, he has an extensive portfolio of news stories, analytical reports and features covering a wide range of sectors. He has had the privilege of covering numerous high-profile figures, including Pakistani presidents, prime ministers, army chiefs, foreign dignitaries, and VVIPs and attending conferences and workshops abroad. He began his journalism career in the early 1980s. Throughout his career, he has received several national awards from government and private organisations. He has contributed to various radio and TV/channel broadcasts and has also served as a trainer at workshops in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, focused on training journalists.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

KU scientists unlock Red Sindhi cattle genome

Image
Breakthrough linked to economic gains, disease resistance and modern livestock breeding By Mukhtar Alam KARACHI: Scientists at the University of Karachi have successfully completed the whole genome sequencing of Red Sindhi cattle, a milestone they say could significantly boost Pakistan’s livestock economy and strengthen disease control efforts. The researchers describe the breakthrough as a “transformational step” toward modernising the country’s livestock sector through genomic science, opening new avenues for precision breeding, enhanced productivity, and improved resistance to diseases. The work, led by the Dr A Q Khan Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (KIBGE) , also included genomic characterisation of the Lumpy Skin Disease virus, enabling deeper insights into host–pathogen interactions and infection control strategies. The project was carried out under the Sindh Higher Education Commission’s Post-Doctoral Fellowship Programme by Dr Roohi Kanwal, an a...
Read more

Budget lacks medium-term brain, power relief, tax equity: Experts

Image
KU AERC seminar says Budget 2026-27 focuses on numbers, not on export competitiveness, tax equity, or long-term planning IV Report KARACHI: The University of Karachi’s Applied Economics Research Centre (AERC) concluded that Budget 2026-27 is missing key structural links to growth, energy affordability, and tax reform, during its Budget Insight 2026-27 seminar held Monday. Speakers said the budget reads as an annual accounts statement, without the medium-term policy backbone needed to address Pakistan’s core economic constraints. Former State Bank of Pakistan Governor Dr Ishrat Husain said a budget must operate within a medium-term policy framework, not as merely an account of income and expenditure. Citing the 2010-11 NFC Award, he noted it had set a target to raise the tax-to-GDP ratio to 15% within five years. Fifteen years later, it remains around 11 percent, he said, adding that setting targets alone is insufficient without practical measures and continuous monitoring. ...
Read more

KU pushes for alumni giving, with transparency and target

Image
VC says donors need clear sector-wise plans and accountability to strengthen KU’s academic and research work IV Report KARACHI: University of Karachi leadership has outlined new expectations for alumni and donor support, calling for clear sector-wise planning and transparent utilisation of contributions to strengthen KU's academic and research work. They were speaking at the inauguration of a new digital lab at the Department of Mass Communication on Tuesday. The lab, equipped with 25 modern laptops, was established with financial and technical support from the Orange Tree Foundation (OTF) for final-year students. Acting Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Muhammad Tufail Jokhio said alumni residing abroad are keen to contribute to their alma mater, but accountability must come first. “It is essential to clearly inform them about the specific sectors and purposes for which their assistance will be utilised,” Dr Tufail said. “Equally important is to assure them that their contribut...
Read more