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Karnataka panel finds no link between sudden cardiac deaths and Covid vaccine

Karnataka panel finds no link between sudden cardiac deaths and Covid vaccine

India Today20 hours ago
A government-appointed expert committee in Karnataka has found no link between sudden cardiac deaths and prior Covid-19 infection or vaccination. The panel, chaired by Dr KS Ravindranath, director of Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Science and Research, submitted its findings on July 2. The investigation followed a series of alarming deaths reported from Hassan district.The report concluded that the deaths were likely due to a combination of behavioural, genetic, and environmental factors. Many cases involved traditional risks such as hypertension, diabetes, smoking, and high cholesterol. However, a significant number of patients had none of these, suggesting possible new or under-recognised causes.advertisementThe panel emphasised that no single cause was responsible for the spike in sudden cardiac deaths. While there was a temporary rise in cardiac events immediately after Covid, attributed to inflammation, the long-term impact (beyond a year) appears negligible.
Dr Ravindranath said Jayadeva Hospital's ongoing Premature Cardiac registry enabled a comparison between pre- and post-Covid data. 'We observed a 5–6% increase in diabetes, hypertension, and smoking post-Covid. This points to a shift in health trends,' he said.'We analysed patients and found their risk profiles have changed. We reviewed ICMR and other peer-reviewed studies, and the consensus is clear: there is no direct link between Covid vaccination and increased cardiac events,' he explained. 'However, individuals with severe Covid, especially ICU cases, showed a rise in heart attacks within six months to a year post-recovery. But long-term data, over three to four years, shows no sustained increase in cardiac events in the general population.'A short-term spike in cardiac events was observed after Covid due to inflammation, but the long-term impact (beyond one year) was found to be negligible.The study also debunked claims linking 'long Covid' or vaccines to sudden deaths in young adults. Instead, it highlighted global evidence suggesting vaccines provide long-term protection against heart issues.The panel, in its report, also recommended a multi-pronged public health strategy, including setting up a statewide surveillance system for sudden cardiac deaths and autopsy-based registries. It also recommends large-scale, multi-centre studies to explore long-term cardiovascular impacts more thoroughly.Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao reinforced the findings, stating, 'There is no negative impact of the Covid vaccine. There is worldwide research, and our research also shows that there is no connection to Covid.' He added, 'Now, a 4–5 per cent increase is there. It's not because of Covid; there are various risk factors.'Referring to the origins of the committee, Gundu Rao said: 'The Chief Minister was very specific: Why are sudden deaths happening in younger people? Is there a connection between the Covid vaccine and this? A lot of people and doctors were talking about this. The Chief Minister was rightfully concerned about it and flagged it.'advertisementIn response to Biocon founder Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw's comments, the minister said: 'There is no panic. Nobody is in panic. That's why the CM constituted a committee. It clarifies and clears the panic.'He also clarified that the Hassan deaths are being treated separately, with a specific report expected on July 10. Additionally, he flagged screen-related sedentary lifestyles as another possible contributor.'The main thing will be to screen our people,' Gundu Rao added. 'We are proposing that cardiac screening should be done for students. Also, across the state, for all government employees, we will be doing screening at least once a year. We are also recommending all companies to do screening for employees once a year.'- Ends
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Securing 74 grants in just two years is a testament to PGI's relentless pursuit of excellence: Dr Rajiv Bahl
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  • Indian Express

Securing 74 grants in just two years is a testament to PGI's relentless pursuit of excellence: Dr Rajiv Bahl

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Bringing dramatic drop in TB deaths, how TN set an example for rest of India with one-of-a-kind model
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Bringing dramatic drop in TB deaths, how TN set an example for rest of India with one-of-a-kind model

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Hyderabad sees rise in viral, vector-borne cases as monsoon sets in
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Hyderabad sees rise in viral, vector-borne cases as monsoon sets in

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