Covid Hospitalisation, Family History, Lifestyle Linked To Sudden Deaths: Study
Hospitalisations due to severe Covid-19 infection, a family history of sudden deaths, as well as lifestyle behaviours are some of the reasons behind the unexplained sudden death, according to a study led by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
The peer-reviewed study published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research explored factors associated with unexplained sudden deaths among adults aged 18-45 years in India.
It showed that Covid vaccination was not responsible for sudden and unexplained deaths seen among young and healthy individuals.
The study was conducted in 2023, following anecdotal reports of sudden, unexplained deaths in India's apparently healthy young adults, which were linked to Covid-19 infection or vaccination.
"Covid-19 vaccination did not increase the risk of unexplained sudden death among young adults in India. Past Covid-19 hospitalisation, family history of sudden death, and certain lifestyle behaviours increased the likelihood of unexplained sudden death," the researchers said.
Using a multicentric matched case-control model, the researchers included 729 cases and 2,916 controls from 47 tertiary care hospitals across India.
The cases were apparently healthy individuals aged 18-45 years without any known co-morbidity, who suddenly (were seen apparently healthy 24 hours before death) died of unexplained causes between October 2021 and March 2023.
Four controls were included per case matched for age, gender, and neighbourhood.
The team interviewed/perused records to collect data on Covid vaccination or infection and post-Covid conditions, family history of sudden death, smoking, recreational drug use, alcohol frequency and binge drinking, and vigorous-intensity physical activity two days before death/interviews.
"The results showed that receiving at least one dose of Covid-19 vaccine lowered the odds for unexplained sudden death," the researchers said. Two doses, further, lowered the odds of unexplained sudden death.
On the other hand, "past Covid-19 hospitalisation, family history of sudden death, binge drinking 48 hours before death, use of recreational drug or substance and performing vigorous-intensity physical activity 48 hours before death were positively associated", the team added.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
NDTV
an hour ago
- NDTV
US Medical Groups Sue Health Secretary Over Covid-19 Vaccine Change
Washington: Several leading medical groups filed suit against US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Monday, accusing him of endangering public health with new Covid-19 vaccine recommendations. At the end of May, Kennedy announced via social media that federal authorities would no longer recommend Covid-19 vaccines for children and pregnant women, resulting in blowback from health experts. In the lawsuit, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American College of Physicians (ACP) and other leading medical groups are calling on the court to stop Kennedy's "unilateral, unscientific" directive and restore the Covid-19 vaccine to immunization schedules. "It is really unconscionable to take away a parent's ability and choice to protect their children through vaccination," said Tina Tan, a pediatrician and president of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, one of the plaintiffs. Since taking office, Kennedy -- who spent decades spreading vaccine misinformation before becoming President Donald Trump's top health official -- has worked to overhaul American vaccination policies. In June, he fired all 17 members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and appointed his own panelists, under the banner of "Make America Healthy Again." Monday's complaint also highlighted the controversial new appointees to ACIP. "We are on a dangerous path," warned Susan Kressly of the AAP, denouncing what she described as misinformation spread by Kennedy while citing the concerns of her peers and parents of patients. "Pediatricians cannot stay silent as the system we rely on to support life-saving vaccines is chiseled away piece by piece, with Secretary Kennedy leading efforts to sow doubt and distrust in the American success story of vaccines," Kressly said. The problem isn't limited to parents and children, as misinformation about vaccines undermines a long-standing trust between doctor and patient. Increasingly, medical professionals are finding that adult patients are "hesitant to get their vaccines. They are not trusting the system anymore," said Jason Goldman, president of the ACP. The issue of vaccines extends beyond Covid-19 in the US. Johns Hopkins University released a count Monday finding the US has recorded its worst measles epidemic in more than 30 years, with 1,277 cases confirmed since the beginning of 2025, and illness recorded in 40 of 50 states. The total US figure is the highest since 1992. The joint complaint was filed in Massachusetts, a northeastern US state. Federal health officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment from AFP.
Time of India
6 hours ago
- Time of India
PGI turns 62, celebrates legacy of innovation
Chandigarh: PGI marked its 62nd Institute Foundation Day Monday, with a celebration of its legacy of excellence and innovation. "Over the past two years alone, PGI secured 74 grants, with nearly half dedicated to developing new interventions and technologies. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now This is a testament to PGI's relentless pursuit of excellence and its vital role in India's innovation ecosystem," Dr Rajiv Bahl, DG of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), said. He was the chief guest of the programme. "PGI's position as one of the primary institutes conducting phase one clinical trials outside industry showcases our capacity to bring cutting-edge therapies from bench to bedside. This is essential for making India a global leader in medical research and development," Dr Bahl said, emphasising PGIMER's crucial contribution to clinical trials and translational research. "Our goal is to support Indian scientists and entrepreneurs in creating first-in-the-world technologies. The recent challenge grants and patent support programmes of ICMR are designed to catalyse this spirit of innovation, ensuring India remains at the forefront of medical breakthroughs," Dr Bahl said, sharing ICMR's vision for Viksit Bharat. Dr Bahl is also the secretary of the department of health research, under Govt of India. TNN
New Indian Express
8 hours ago
- New Indian Express
Karnataka government mandates autopsies in sudden, unexplained deaths among young individuals
The study, led by Dr KS Ravindranath, Director of the Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, concluded that while there has been a 4–5 per cent increase in heart attack cases among those under 45, the causes are linked to lifestyle factors -- including obesity, smoking, diabetes, and sedentary habits -- and not to Covid-19 vaccines or the infection itself. The expert committee was constituted in February this year following public anxiety and speculation about rising cases of sudden cardiac deaths among healthy young individuals, especially in the post-COVID period. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had ordered the study, seeking clarity on whether vaccines or long Covid were contributing factors. Addressing the media on Monday, Gundu Rao said, 'There has been an increase in heart attack cases post Covid -- about 4 to 5 percent -- but it is due to multiple lifestyle-related factors. The study has found no evidence to link these deaths with the vaccine or Covid infection.' 'To act on the findings, the state will roll out a series of preventive measures. Apart from mandatory autopsies, the government will initiate cardiac screening for school students from Class 10 onwards, annual health check-ups for all government employees, and recommend similar screenings in private offices, industries, and institutions. Lifestyle education modules will also be introduced in school curricula to promote awareness on physical activity, screen time, and healthy eating habits,' the minister said.
