Karnataka has high rates of metabolic risk factors: Report

Risk of people in Karnataka getting a cardiovascular disease or a kidney dysfunction is high.

A Lancet report, one of the oldest and peer-reviewed medical journal in its publication released last month (December 2017) on global disease burden, said that Karnataka has high rates of metabolic risk factors (that occurs due to hormonal change in the body) and behavioural risk factors (occurring due to behaviour), resulting in cardiovascular diseases, kidney dysfunction among others.

The state stands fourth among the top five states in metabolic risk factors such as high blood pressure, blood sugar levels and cholesterol levels.

"The diet patterns have changed over time. People usually dine outside at least twice a week which adds to increase in metabolic risk factors," said Dr Ambanna Gowda, consultant, internal medicine, Fortis Hospital.

He added that the food in southern part of the country has more fat content in it which leads to increase in cholesterol levels.

"People do not have time for physical activity which makes it worse. Bengaluru is a prime example for that with IT jobs and jobs that forces one to sit for longer hours," said Dr Gowda.

According to the indications in the report, Karnataka also stood above the national limits in terms of occupational risks (harmful effects of breathing in various particles, gases, fumes or smoke in the workplace).

It ranked second in terms of occupational risks (1,167) after Punjab (1,222) and Haryana (1,166). It stood second (466) in terms of environmental risk factors (air pollution, chemical hazards etc), after Tamil Nadu (592).

Dr C N Manjunath, director, Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research said that with high metabolic and behavioural risk factors, there is a high possibility that people may have heart diseases early in life.

He added that lifestyle diseases have increased over time. It is yet to increase with westerised form of food and living style.