Delhi hospital study on why global heart risk calculators fail to flag attacks in India

A major retrospective study by Delhi's GB Pant Hospital involving over 5,000 patients has revealed that standard global heart risk calculators fail to identify at-risk Indians. The research found that 80% of Indian patients who suffered a heart attack were previously classified as low or moderate risk by Western models. Experts highlight that Indians face unique risks, including 'thin-fat' phenotypes with high visceral fat and insulin resistance, even at normal BMI levels. The study notes that heart disease in India occurs earlier, at an average age of 54, and typical cholesterol profiles may be misleading, as dangerous levels of triglycerides and low HDL are often overlooked. Medical professionals advocate for indigenous, India-centric risk models and advanced screening tools such as ultra-low-dose CT scans to quantify visceral fat, DEXA scans, and MRIs for liver fat. The report emphasises that normal test results do not always equate to low risk for Indian patients.