Over 80% of Young Adults in Hong Kong Found with Abnormal 'Three Highs' Indicators in Community Screening
SingTao · 2 SOURCES1 day ago7 MIN
Summary
A joint community health screening by the patient support group Hearts of Love (關心您的心) and the University of Hong Kong's School of Nursing has revealed alarming rates of metabolic abnormalities among young adults aged 25 to 50. Of the 122 participants tested in a quick-testing station set up in Central, 82.8 percent had at least one abnormal indicator related to hypertension, hyperglycemia, or hyperlipidemia. The findings highlight that the so-called "three highs" are no longer conditions affecting only the elderly, with most affected individuals remaining unaware of their health risks until the screening .
Key Points
- The screening was conducted this month by Hearts of Love in collaboration with HKU's School of Nursing and the Hong Kong Professional Nurses Volunteers Association, with a quick-testing station established in Central
- Among 122 participants aged 25 to 50, 82.8 percent showed at least one abnormal "three highs" indicator, while 75 percent had elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, commonly known as "bad cholesterol"
- Dr. Lee Wai-chi, Associate Professor at HKU's School of Nursing, noted that 74.8 percent of participants under 45 and 75 percent under 35 were found with abnormal LDL levels, indicating a widespread issue even among younger age groups
- Approximately 90 percent of participants with at least one abnormal indicator were unaware of their "three highs" condition prior to the screening, while 40 percent of those under 35 had never undergone a blood test
- The study found that 21.3 percent of participants met the criteria for metabolic syndrome, placing them at higher risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes
- Risky lifestyle habits were prevalent: nearly 85 percent consumed sugar-sweetened beverages at least weekly, 70 percent spent more than six hours sitting daily, and 45 percent slept less than six hours per night
- Dr. Wong Chun-ka, Clinical Assistant Professor in the Division of Cardiology at HKU's School of Clinical Medicine, recommended regular health monitoring and lifestyle adjustments, including 7 to 9 hours of sleep, breaking up sedentary periods every 30 to 60 minutes, and at least 150 minutes of weekly moderate exercise
Why It Matters
The screening results underscore a growing public health concern as "three highs" conditions increasingly affect young and middle-aged adults in Hong Kong. With 21.3 percent of participants meeting metabolic syndrome criteria and most being unaware of their conditions, delayed diagnosis could lead to serious cardiovascular complications. Hearts of Love plans to host health seminars and workshops throughout the month, with another free testing event scheduled for November 21 to expand screening coverage and promote early intervention .
The screening results underscore a growing public health concern as "three highs" conditions increasingly affect young and middle-aged adults in Hong Kong. With 21.3 percent of participants meeting metabolic syndrome criteria and most being unaware of their conditions, delayed diagnosis could lead to serious cardiovascular complications. Hearts of Love plans to host health seminars and workshops throughout the month, with another free testing event scheduled for November 21 to expand screening coverage and promote early intervention .