'Won't ignore Covid vaccine concerns': Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah orders probe as over 20 die of heart attacks in Hassan; sets 10-day deadline
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In the past month alone, at least 20 people in Hassan district have reportedly died of heart attacks, many without prior symptoms or pre-existing conditions.
Leading the probe is Dr KS Ravindranath, Director of Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, who is working in coordination with the Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences (HIMS) to identify patterns, possible causes, and preventive measures.
'Fourteen of the deceased died at home without seeking medical help. Nine were under 30,' said Dr Rajanna B, director of HIMS, confirming that the deaths occurred between May 28 and June 28, 2025.
With many cases too old for post-mortems, investigators are depending on local doctors, family testimonies, and patient records. The deaths have sparked concern across the state, with Jayadeva hospitals in Bengaluru and Mysuru reporting a 20% rise in emergency cardiac OPD visits.
Is there a vaccine link?
In a statement on Tuesday, CM Siddaramaiah did not rule out the possibility that Covid-19 vaccines may have contributed to some of the deaths. 'We cannot ignore that the hasty approval and distribution of the vaccine could also be a factor, as global studies have hinted at links to cardiac issues,' he said. He added that the same expert committee had been asked in February to study post-vaccination effects and young adult deaths statewide.
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'Before BJP criticizes us, they should ask their conscience,' Siddaramaiah remarked, accusing opposition leaders of politicizing a public health concern.
Cardiologists divided
The medical fraternity appears split on the issue. While the Mysuru chapter of the Cardiological Society of India (CSI) has launched a separate two-year study into rising cardiac cases among youth, led by Dr Shashirekha and Dr Veena Nanjappa, senior cardiologist and MP Dr CN Manjunath downplayed the trend as new.
'This is not a sudden phenomenon,' said Dr Manjunath, who cited a 2013–2018 study of 5,000 heart attack patients aged 20–45. 'We found 50% were smokers, and nearly 20% had diabetes or high BP. But worryingly, 25% had no conventional risk factors. We need to examine food safety and pesticide exposure too.'
Public urged not to ignore warning signs
While the debate continues, the government is urging citizens not to delay seeking help. 'Anyone with chest pain or breathing issues must go to the nearest health centre immediately,' said Siddaramaiah. He cited state-run health programs like Hridaya Jyothi and Gruha Arogya as part of efforts to monitor and respond to rising cardiac risk.
The expert committee's report is expected by July 10.
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India Gazette
14 minutes ago
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By Shalini Bhardwaj Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], July 7 (ANI): A government-appointed expert committee in Karnataka has found no evidence linking COVID-19 infection or vaccination to the recent rise in sudden cardiac deaths in the state. In its official report, the panel concluded that the increase in such deaths appears to be multifactorial, with no single cause. It emphasized the need for greater public awareness about rising cardiovascular risks, especially among young adults. 'There is no single cause behind the observed rise in sudden cardiac deaths. Rather, it appears to be a multifactorial issue with behavioural, genetic, and environmental risks,' the report stated. 'While in the immediate post-COVID phase, there is an increase in the incidence of sudden cardiovascular events due to a pro-inflammatory state, this cannot be assumed to be true in the long term (>1 year). It has been three years since the end of the pandemic.' 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Another major risk is heavy gymming and the use of unverified substances like steroids, hormones, and herbal supplements for bodybuilding. While going to the gym is good, it's dangerous to start intense workouts while consuming such substances suddenly.' Dr Bhargava also warned against excessive gym workouts combined with unregulated use of steroids, hormones, or herbal supplements. 'My advice to youth, especially around 20-25 years of age, is to know your numbers - weight, blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Take steps to correct them if they are not in range and avoid harmful habits. It's important to remember - many such deaths may have occurred earlier too, but went unnoticed,' he said. NITI Aayog Member (Health) Dr VK Paul reiterated the safety of COVID-19 vaccines, saying, 'Covid vaccines were tested after systematic laboratory studies, animal toxicity studies and clinical studies, and they fulfil scientific and all regulatory and benchmark criteria.' 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COVID-19 vaccines do have some side effects, and all vaccines/drugs have some side effects, but the link between COVID-19 vaccination and heart attacks is not there. None of the studies have shown that...' Dr Saumitra Rawat, Chairperson, Institute of Surgical Gastroenterology, GI and HPB Onco-Surgery, and Liver Transplantation at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, also emphasised the same. 'ICMR has done studies on the link between COVID-19 and sudden deaths, but there is no evidence to suggest that COVID-19 vaccination is linked to sudden cardiac death in young individuals. In fact, ICMR did a large-scale study in 2023, which found that the vaccine actually offered protection against such deaths. Sudden cardiac events in the 18-45 age group are often associated with identifiable risk factors such as a history of severe COVID-19, binge drinking, smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, or sudden intense physical activity, especially when combined with unregulated supplements like steroids or hormones. Chewing tobacco, common in lower-income groups, also increases the risk by narrowing arteries and promoting clot formation,' he said. 'My message to the youth is clear: know your health numbers, avoid harmful habits, and make informed choices. COVID-19 vaccines are safe and protective; the real focus should be on addressing lifestyle risks,' he added. (ANI)
NDTV
17 minutes ago
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