Sun Jun 29 06:42:39 UTC 2025: **News Article:**

**Hubballi Study Reveals Alarming Cardiac Risk Factors in Karnataka Adolescents**

HUBBALLI, Karnataka – A preliminary study conducted by the Karnataka Medical College and Research Institute (KMCRI) in Hubballi has revealed worrying signs of cardiovascular metabolic risk among adolescents in Dharwad district. The study, which screened 30 overweight students in classes VIII and IX, found that a significant majority exhibited biochemical profiles indicative of an increased risk of adverse cardiac events, despite showing no overt symptoms.

The research, initiated in February 2025 by KMCRI’s Multi-Disciplinary Research Unit (MDRU), aimed to assess early risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), which are increasingly manifesting earlier in life. The team collected data on lifestyle, screentime, food habits, and blood samples from students in both urban and rural schools.

The findings were concerning. One student was diagnosed with diabetes, and four with hypertension. Lipid profile abnormalities were also prevalent, with elevated total cholesterol in five students, high triglyceride levels in 11, and elevated LDL cholesterol in five. Alarmingly, 26 out of 30 students displayed elevated ‘Homocysteine’ levels, a strong indicator of cardiovascular disease risk. ‘High sensitivity C-reactive Protein’ (hsCRP), a marker of inflammation and cardiac risk, was significantly elevated in 18 students.

“Over 80% of the participants had biochemical profiles indicative of increased risk of adverse cardiac events,” stated MDRU nodal officer Ram Kaulgud.

The study highlights the urgent need for public health interventions, lifestyle modifications, and routine cardiac risk screening in school health programmes. KMCRI plans to conduct a larger study in coordination with other Medical Research Units, with the support of the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR).

“We have received appreciation by the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) for this preliminary study and the premier medical research organisation has advised us to continue it further. Accordingly, we are planning to conduct a larger sample study in coordination with other MRUs and based on the findings, we will submit a report to the government,” Director of KMCRI Dr. S.F. Kammar told The Hindu.

The findings serve as a stark reminder of the importance of preventative healthcare and early detection in combating cardiovascular diseases among India’s youth.

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