Preliminary Study from Karnataka Medical College Reveals High Cardiac Risk Among Adolescents

A new preliminary study conducted by the Karnataka Medical College and Research Institute (KMCRI), Hubballi has raised alarms about rising cardiovascular risk among adolescents. The findings indicate that a significant number of overweight school-going students showed biochemical markers associated with a heightened risk of adverse cardiac events, challenging the long-standing perception of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) as ailments exclusive to adulthood.

The study, launched in February 2025 by the Multi-Disciplinary Research Unit (MDRU) of KMCRI, aimed to assess early signs of cardiovascular metabolic risk in adolescents. With growing evidence suggesting early onset of risk factors, the research team focused on 30 asymptomatic, overweight students from Class VIII and IX, selected from six schools across both urban and rural regions of Dharwad district.

The students underwent comprehensive screening, including blood tests and assessments of lifestyle factors such as screen time, physical activity, and dietary habits. Despite the limited sample size, the results were alarming. One student was found to be diabetic, and four were diagnosed with hypertension. Notably, 11 students had elevated triglyceride levels, with one registering a critically high value of 499 mg/dL. Additionally, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol were elevated in five students each.

Perhaps most concerning, the study found elevated homocysteine levels in 26 out of 30 participants, a marker associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Elevated Lipoprotein (a) was found in four students, and 18 had significantly high levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), indicating inflammation and cardiac stress. Overall, over 80% of participants displayed biochemical profiles suggesting subclinical cardiac risk.

“This preliminary study highlights the alarming prevalence of early cardiac risk among adolescents,” said Dr. Ram Kaulgud, MDRU nodal officer, and co-investigator Dr. Manjunath Nekar.

Encouraged by recognition from the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR), KMCRI now plans to expand the study in collaboration with other Medical Research Units (MRUs) across the state.

The findings highlight the urgent need for preventive health strategies, including lifestyle interventions and routine cardiac screening in school health programmes.