Latest news with #BalramBhargava
India Gazette
07-07-2025
- Health
- India Gazette
No link between COVID-19 vaccines and sudden cardiac deaths, finds Karnataka expert panel
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.' The report added that the investigation by this expert committee, constituted by the Government of Karnataka, highlights a growing public health challenge posed by the rise in sudden cardiovascular events, especially among young adults. The committee noted that conventional risk factors like hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and smoking were present in a majority of cases. However, 'a significant minority of patients presented with none of these, suggesting the possible involvement of novel or under-recognised mechanisms.' An observational study conducted at Jayadeva Hospital supported the committee's findings. 'The observational study conducted at Jayadeva Hospital did not find any association between premature cardiovascular disease and a prior history of Covid-19 infection or Covid vaccination,' the report stated. It further cited global research, stating that no causal link has been established between COVID-19 vaccines and sudden cardiac events. On the contrary, the report said, 'COVID-19 vaccination has been shown to be protective against cardiac events in the long term.' Earlier, while speaking to ANI, former ICMR DG Dr Balram Bhargava said that there is no link between COVID-19 vaccination and sudden deaths. 'There is no link between COVID-19 vaccination and sudden cardiac death in young people. A recent study by ICMR clearly demonstrates this,' he said. He pointed out that many such deaths involve identifiable risk factors, saying, 'We are hearing more about such deaths in people between 18 and 45. Still, these are associated with identifiable risk factors - over 50% of young individuals who die suddenly are smokers and have a history of binge drinking. Many are diabetics or have high cholesterol levels. Chewing tobacco is also reported in lower and middle strata that causes constriction of arteries, fat deposition and clot formation, which can block coronary arteries and lead to heart attacks.' 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.' Referring to the ICMR study conducted across 47 hospital sites and published in 2023, Dr Paul said, 'More than 700 young individuals who suffered sudden deaths were included... What emerged was that the Covid vaccine was actually protective against sudden deaths, decreasing its risk... What was responsible for sudden death was - if the individual had a genetic tendency due to a family history of heart ailments, if one had suffered a more severe COVID-19 illness that required hospitalisation, smoking, and those who had consumed excess alcohol.' He added, 'Let's not be prey to unfounded notions.' Speaking with ANI, former AIIMS Delhi Director, Dr Randeep Guleria, said, 'There are reports of young people dying because of sudden cardiac arrests. There have been studies to look into this cause. If you look at studies from ICMR and AIIMS, they have clearly shown that these young deaths are not related to COVID-19 vaccines. 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)
Hindustan Times
18-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
COVID cases: Know about the daily wellness routine to stay prepared and healthy
COVID cases are rising, and there are a lot of concerns about the increasing numbers. There's also a variant, which raises questions about its severity and what it means. But instead of panicking, staying well-informed is the first line of protection. With appropriate, reliable information and by staying calm, one can easily navigate this phase with confidence. From knowing the ideal wellness routine to understanding the latest strain, you can stay prepared, protected and proactive during this uncertain COVID season. HT Lifestyle reached out to experts to understand the latest COVID-19 developments about the emerging variant, along with practical ways to stay prepared. Prof. (Dr) Balram Bhargava, former Director General of ICMR and Secretary of the Department of Health Research, who played a central role in managing the COVID-19 response in India, shared with HT Lifestyle about one of the emerging variants and what it means. 'The emergence of the XFG variant is part of the SARS-CoV-2 virus's natural evolution. XFG carries mutations which may enhance its ability to bind to human cells and bypass immune defences. Early reports suggest that the variant has high immune escape potential, but there is no current evidence to indicate increased severity." Amid rising COVID-19 cases and concerns over the new XFG variant, Dr Bhargava assured about India's diagnostic infrastructure. He said, "However, as the virus adapts, so has India's diagnostic infrastructure adapted since the very first wave. RT-PCR remains the cornerstone of COVID-19 diagnostics, and the widespread deployment of rapid molecular platforms like Truenat puts India in a strong position to detect and contain emerging variants swiftly, even in remote and resource-limited settings. Point-of-care testing played a crucial role during the pandemic then, and it continues to be a frontline tool for detecting emerging variants like XFG. Vigilance is critical now, and do not panic. As we've done in the past, we should continue testing when symptomatic, masking in crowded spaces, and staying up to date with vaccinations.' Now that you are aware of the emerging XFG variant and what it means, let's focus on staying healthy and building immunity. Dr Bharesh Dedhia, Consultant, Intensive Care at P.D. Hinduja Hospital and MRC, Khar, shared a guide for a daily wellness routine: ALSO READ: COVID spiking again: Top 6 nutrients you need to include in your diet for better immunity Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Time of India
11-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
New XFG COVID-19 variant part of natural evolution of SARS-CoV-2: Former ICMR chief Dr Bhargava
New Delhi: Emergence of the new XFG variant of the virus that causes COVID-19 is part of SARS-CoV-2's natural evolution, said Dr Balram Bhargava, former Director General of the Indian Council for Medical Research, amidst India recording over 200 cases linked to the variant. Dr Bhargava was part of the team at the forefront of managing the country's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. "The emergence of the XFG variant is part of the SARS-CoV-2 virus's natural evolution," he said. His statement comes as India's active COVID-19 cases crossed 7,000 as of June 11, with over 300 added in the last 24 hours and six deaths recorded in the same period, data from the Union Health Ministry shows. According to the latest data from the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), 206 cases have been linked to XFG variant, with the highest count of 89 infections coming from Maharashtra, followed by West Bengal reporting 49. Dr Bhargava said the XFG variant of SARS-CoV-2 (which causes COVID-19) carries mutations which may improve its ability of binding to human cells and bypassing immune defences. "Early reports suggest that the variant has high immune escape potential , but there is no current evidence to indicate (an) increased severity (of disease)," he said. Other states reporting infections due to the XFG variant are Kerala (15), Tamil Nadu (16), Gujarat (11), Madhya Pradesh (6), Andhra Pradesh (6), Odisha (4), Puducherry (3), Delhi (2), Rajasthan (2), and Punjab, Telangana and Haryana (one each). However, similar to how the virus adapts, so has India's diagnostic infrastructure since the first wave of the pandemic, and the RT-PCR test, or 'reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction' -- which detects the genetic material of SARS-CoV-2 in samples -- remains its cornerstone, the cardiologist said. He added that the widespread deployment of platforms such as Truenat -- a rapid molecular diagnostic test that uses RT-PCR technology for diagnosis -- puts India in a strong position to detect and contain emerging variants swiftly, even in remote and resource-limited settings. Point-of-care testing, which detects antibodies in blood, played a crucial role during the pandemic then, and it continues to be a frontline tool for detecting emerging variants, such as XFG, Dr Bhargava said. "Vigilance is critical now, and not panic. As we have done in the past, we should continue testing when symptomatic, masking in crowded spaces, and staying up to date with vaccinations", he said. India has seen 74 deaths in the current surge in COVID-19 cases, which started January this year. Kerala continues to be the most affected with over 2,200 cases, followed by Gujarat (1223) and Delhi (757). Official sources have said that most cases are mild and can be managed under home care, even as all states have been instructed to ensure availability of oxygen, isolation beds, ventilators, and essential medicines, amidst rising cases of COVID-19. INSACOG data also shows that 21 of the newly emerging cases are linked to the LF.7 variant -- Maharashtra and Gujarat reporting the highest with six cases each -- and two to the NB.1.8.1 variant -- one each in Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. PTI
News18
11-06-2025
- Health
- News18
India Sees 6 Deaths, 306 New Covid Cases In 24 Hours; Active Tally Rises to 7,121
Last Updated: Six Covid-related deaths were reported — three from Kerala, two from Karnataka, and one from Maharashtra. India recorded 306 new Covid-19 cases in the past 24 hours, pushing the country's active caseload to 7,121, according to data released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Wednesday. During the same period, six Covid-related deaths were reported — three from Kerala, two from Karnataka, and one from Maharashtra. Among the deceased was a 43-year-old male with a weakened immune system, while the remaining fatalities involved elderly individuals with underlying respiratory and chronic health conditions. A day earlier, India had reported 324 fresh Covid-19 cases, bringing the active case tally to 6,815. Three fatalities were recorded on that day — one each from Delhi, Jharkhand, and Kerala. Among them was a 44-year-old man with a history of hypothyroidism and hypertension; the other two were elderly individuals with chronic respiratory and other health complications. India is currently witnessing a gradual uptick in Covid-19 cases, attributed to emerging variants including LF.7, XFG, JN.1, and the newly identified NB.1.8.1 subvariant. 'India Equipped To Tackle XFG Variant' The emergence of the XFG variant is part of the natural evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, according to Prof. (Dr) Balram Bhargava, former Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and former Secretary of the Department of Health Research. He noted that India is well-prepared to detect and respond to new variants quickly, thanks to the wide availability of rapid molecular diagnostic tools like Truenat. According to the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), 163 cases of the XFG variant have been recently identified across the country. Dr. Bhargava explained that the XFG variant contains mutations that may enhance its ability to bind more effectively to human cells and evade immune defences. 'Early reports suggest that the variant has high immune escape potential, but there is no current evidence to indicate increased severity. However, as the virus adapts, India's diagnostic infrastructure has adapted since the very first wave. RT-PCR remains the cornerstone of COVID-19 diagnostics, and the widespread deployment of rapid molecular platforms like Truenat puts India in a strong position to detect and contain emerging variants swiftly—even in remote and resource-limited settings," he said. (With inputs from agencies)
Time of India
11-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
India well-equipped to swiftly detect, contain new COVID variants: Ex-ICMR DG Bhargava
New Delhi: The emergence of the XFG variant is part of the SARS-CoV-2 virus's natural evolution, said Prof. (Dr) Balram Bhargava , former of Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research ( ICMR ) and former Secretary of the Department of Health Research. He added that India is well-positioned to detect and contain emerging variants swiftly due to the widespread deployment of rapid molecular diagnostic platforms such as Truenat . As of Tuesday morning, India has reported 6,815 active COVID-19 cases. According to data from the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), 163 cases of the new COVID-19 variant XFG have recently been detected across the country. Dr Bhargava said that XFG variant carries mutations that may enhance its ability to bind to human cells and bypass immune defences. "Early reports suggest that the variant has high immune escape potential, but there is no current evidence to indicate increased severity. However, as the virus adapts, India's diagnostic infrastructure has adapted since the very first wave. RT-PCR remains the cornerstone of COVID-19 diagnostics, and the widespread deployment of rapid molecular platforms like Truenat puts India in a strong position to detect and contain emerging variants swiftly--even in remote and resource-limited settings," he said. Dr Bhargava, who played a key role in India's pandemic response, stressed the continued importance of point-of-care testing in identifying emerging variants such as XFG. "Vigilance is critical now, and not panic. As we've done in the past, we should continue testing when symptomatic, masking in crowded spaces, and staying up to date with vaccinations," he said.
