Every 3rd Indian has fatty liver, metabolic disorders: Dr Jitendra
There is an urgent need to develop simple, low-cost diagnostic tests for the detection of different stages of fatty liver and their progression to severe, full-blown diseases. The approaches and algorithms should suit the Indian context, low-priced, and have a point of care, said Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh who is himself a Diabetologist.
Every third Indian has fatty liver, which predates Type 2 Diabetes and other metabolic disorders, said Dr Singh after launching an Indo-French Liver and Metabolic Disease Network (InFLiMeN) a virtual node to prevent and cure metabolic liver diseases at Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS) in Delhi recently.
First Indian guidelines for managing dyslipidemia released
The Cardiological Society of India (CSI) has unveiled the country’s inaugural guidelines for managing dyslipidemia, a significant risk factor for cardiovascular and peripheral artery diseases. Dyslipidemia, marked by high total cholesterol, elevated LDL-cholesterol (bad cholesterol), high triglycerides, and low HDL-cholesterol (good cholesterol), poses unique challenges in India due to genetic factors such as familial hypercholesterolemia.
Dr. Ashwani Mehta, Senior Consultant Cardiologist at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Delhi, and co-author of the guidelines, emphasiSed the importance of early identification and treatment through family screening: “Genetic causes of dyslipidemia, like familial hypercholesterolemia, are more prevalent in India. It is crucial to identify and treat these cases early through cascade screening of family members.”
The guidelines also recommend assessing lipoprotein (a) levels, particularly as they are more prevalent in India compared to the Western world. Dr S Ramakrishnan, Professor of Cardiology at AIIMS, Delhi, and co-author of the guidelines, highlighted treatment strategies: “High LDL-C and non-HDL-C can be managed with statins and non-statin drugs. For patients not reaching treatment goals, injectable therapies like PCSK9 inhibitors or Inclisiran are recommended.”
Dr. JPS. Sawhney, Chairman of the Department of Cardiology at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital and Chairman of the guidelines, stressed aggressive targets for high-risk patients: “Patients with a history of heart attacks, strokes, or chronic kidney disease should aim for LDL-C levels below 55 mg/dL or non-HDL levels below 85 mg/dL.”
The guidelines also underscore lifestyle modifications as foundational in dyslipidemia management. Dr. Sawhney further recommended dietary changes and regular exercise: “Reducing sugar and carbohydrate intake is crucial in India, where dietary habits contribute significantly to blockages. Yoga and regular exercise also offer cardioprotective benefits and are culturally relevant.”
These guidelines aim to standardize and optimize dyslipidemia management in India, addressing both the genetic predispositions and lifestyle factors that impact cardiovascular health, said the doctors.
