In a deeply concerning development, Karnataka’s Hassan district has reported 23 sudden cardiac deaths over the span of just 40 days, prompting alarm among public health authorities and the state government. The surge in heart attack-related fatalities—many involving young individuals—has led Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to order a high-level inquiry into the causes behind this disturbing trend.
Taking to social media platform X on Tuesday, CM Siddaramaiah confirmed that the state has taken serious note of the situation. A special expert committee has been formed under the leadership of Dr CN Ravindranath, Director of the Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, to investigate the spike in deaths. The panel has been directed to submit a comprehensive report within 10 days.
While the cause of the sudden deaths remains under investigation, the Chief Minister acknowledged that a potential link to Covid-19 vaccines cannot be ruled out. Citing international studies that suggest possible vaccine-related cardiac complications, Siddaramaiah said, “It cannot be denied that the hasty approval and distribution of the Covid vaccine could also be a reason for these deaths.”
This isn’t the first time the state has tasked the same committee with examining such cases. Earlier, it was assigned to study the incidence of sudden cardiac deaths among young people across Karnataka and assess any correlation with Covid vaccination or other underlying health factors. CM Siddaramaiah also took aim at the opposition BJP, accusing the party of politicising the situation instead of evaluating its own decisions made during the pandemic. He called for a united approach to address the public health issue rather than using it for political gain.
Spike in fatalities across age groups
The sense of urgency heightened after four cardiac deaths were reported in Hassan district on June 30 alone. Among the deceased were a 50-year-old woman who collapsed following fatigue, a 58-year-old lecturer who died while having tea, a 57-year-old D-group worker who succumbed to chest pain in a hospital, and a 63-year-old man who collapsed after complaining of discomfort.
On the same day, a 27-year-old woodworker also died from a heart attack, reinforcing concerns that the deaths are not confined to the elderly. Among the 23 deaths reported, six victims were between the ages of 19 and 25, and eight were aged 25 to 45. The remaining fatalities involved individuals over the age of 45, with several aged above 60.
As fear spreads among residents, there has been an 8 per cent increase in the number of patients visiting Jayadeva Hospital in Bengaluru, particularly from Hassan and nearby districts. Many are seeking precautionary cardiac screenings in light of the recent spike in deaths.
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Troubling health statistics
Data from the District Health and Family Welfare Department reveal that Hassan has recorded 507 heart attack cases over the last two years, resulting in 190 deaths. However, the recent surge in younger patients dying suddenly has raised fresh concerns among health officials and the general public.
The crisis in Hassan appears to be part of a wider pattern across Karnataka. Other recent cases include the death of model and actress Shefali Jariwala, 42, from a heart attack on June 27; a 25-year-old man who collapsed during a wedding ceremony; a 28-year-old bodybuilder who died while working out; a 29-year-old dentist who suffered a cardiac arrest after completing a marathon in Goa; and a 38-year-old gym trainer who also died of heart failure.
CM Siddaramaiah has appealed to citizens not to ignore symptoms such as chest pain, breathlessness, fatigue, or dizziness. He urged anyone experiencing such signs to immediately seek medical attention at the nearest health facility. The Chief Minister also reassured the public of the government's commitment to ensuring health and wellness, highlighting initiatives such as Hridaya Jyothi and Gruha Arogya, which are designed to monitor and manage cardiac health across Karnataka.
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