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Hindustan Times
21 hours ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Govt orders probe into Hassan cardiac deaths, vaccine link under lens
Chief minister Siddaramaiah has directed a panel of medical experts to examine the possible clinical reasons for the sudden surge in deaths due to cardiac arrest among young people with no known comorbidities in Hassan district. Govt orders probe into Hassan cardiac deaths, vaccine link under lens At least 22 people, including five aged between 19 and 25, have died due to heart attacks in Hassan district over the last 40 days, officials familiar with the development said, adding that most of the deaths happened without any visible symptoms, with several collapsing at home or in public spaces. In a statement issued on Tuesday, Siddaramaiah said: 'In the past month alone, in just one district of Hassan, more than twenty people have died due to heart attacks. The government is taking this matter very identify the exact cause of these series of deaths and to find solutions, a committee of experts has been formed under the leadership of Dr Ravindranath, Director of Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, and they have been instructed to submit a study report within 10 days.' He added that the same committee was in February tasked with studying rising sudden deaths among young people and assess if Covid-19 or the vaccines administered during the pandemic might have played a role. 'It cannot be denied that the hasty approval and distribution of the Covid vaccine to the public could also be a reason for these deaths, as several studies worldwide have recently indicated that COVID vaccines could be a cause for the increasing number of heart attacks,' he said, adding, 'Before BJP criticises us on this matter, they should ask their conscience.' To be sure, there is no scientific evidence to show that vaccines administered during the Covid-19 pandemic can cause cardiac arrests. Though, there are a range of conspiracy theories. The government's move comes amid growing public anxiety after four more deaths were reported on June 30. The victims include a 50-year-old homemaker from JP Nagar in Belur, a 58-year-old college professor from Holenarasipura who collapsed while having tea, a 57-year-old Group D employee from Channarayapattana, and a 63-year-old man from Rangolihalli colony. A review of records maintained by the Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences (HIMS) shows the pattern began in late May. 'Fourteen of the deceased died at home without seeking medical help. Nine were under 30,' said Dr Rajanna B, director of HIMS. Younger victims include Sandhya (20) from Hole Narasipura, Abhishek (19) from Arakalagudu, Kavana (20) from Kelavatti, Naveen Kumar (31) from Arsikere, Yogesh M. (30) from Honnenahalli, and Chetan (38) from Rangolihalli. Names of Sandhya and Abhishek appear twice in records, possibly due to a clerical error, with deaths noted on both May 20 and May 28. According to district health department data, Hassan reported 507 heart attack cases over the last two years, with 190 of them dying. While heart disease is not uncommon in the region, the high number of recent deaths among young and middle-aged people has drawn scrutiny. The expert committee is led by Dr Ravindranath and includes specialists from NIMHANS, St. John's Medical College, BMCRI, Manipal Hospitals, the Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Chest Diseases, and ICMR-NCDIR. As part of its probe, the panel will look into cases of sudden cardiac arrest, stroke, and neurological conditions to determine trends and recommend preventive steps. The committee is expected to submit its report within 10 days. Siddaramaiah said the government has already rolled out schemes such as Hridaya Jyothi and Gruha Arogya to detect and manage cardiovascular conditions. 'We too value the lives of children, youth, and innocent people who have their entire lives ahead of them, and we share the concerns of their families,' he said. 'As a government, we are making every possible effort to protect the health of the people. I urge everyone to visit the nearest health centre immediately for a check-up if you have symptoms such as chest pain or difficulty breathing. Do not ignore these signs.'
Time of India
a day ago
- Health
- Time of India
'Won't ignore Covid vaccine concerns': Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah orders probe as over 20 die of heart attacks in Hassan; sets 10-day deadline
NEW DELHI: A wave of sudden cardiac deaths in Karnataka, especially among young people, has jolted the state government into action, with chief minister Siddaramaiah announcing a 10-day deadline for an expert panel to submit its findings. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now 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. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now '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.
News18
2 days ago
- Health
- News18
'Not Just Hassan': Area MP Shreyas Patel To News18 On Spike In Heart Attack Deaths Of Youths
Asked why Hassan is in the spotlight, he said it's because every cardiac-related death is being tracked, documented, and responded to seriously It's not just Hassan, but several districts in Karnataka and across India are seeing a rise in young people dying of heart attacks, said Hassan MP Shreyas Patel in an exclusive interview with News18. Asked why Hassan is in the spotlight, he said it's because every cardiac-related death is being tracked, documented, and responded to seriously. 'We are keeping a close watch on heart attack cases, especially among the 18-40 age group, which is why the numbers look high. It's not only happening here, but we are logging every heart-related issue or death and monitoring it closely," he said. The spike in heart attack-related deaths in Hassan prompted the Siddaramaiah government, the local district administration, and the health department under minister Dinesh Gundu Rao to launch a probe into the matter. Karnataka health commissioner Randeep D also sought a report on the Hassan cardiac deaths, calling them concerning. Chief minister Siddaramaiah said on Monday that the government would identify and resolve the underlying problem, adding that directions have been given to the health department to form a committee. According to MP Patel, Hassan's medical institutions immediately launched a coordinated response. 'Over the past month, we've been tracking every case. On June 17, we had a detailed meeting with the district health officer, the director of HIMS, cardiologists from HIMS and private hospitals. We took stock of the situation and began taking action immediately," said the MP. Training has also been prioritised. 'We've directed all assistant medical officers that any patient suspected of having a heart attack must be treated without delay. Not just doctors—every healthcare worker, including staff nurses and support staff, must know what to do as immediate first aid. We've already begun batch-wise training for all medical staff since June 17," he confirmed. The district has also begun implementing the STEMI system—a real-time video consultation setup operated directly by a team of cardiologists from Jayadeva Hospital. Patel said the system has already been installed in three to four hospitals and that they have requested the health minister to extend it to all CHCs. 'He has agreed in principle, and we hope to get approval soon," the MP said. But beyond infrastructure, he insisted that awareness is key. 'People should cooperate with us. They should regularly undergo checkups—echocardiograms, TMT, and ECG. All of these are free and available at Hassan District Hospital. The public must take advantage of this." When asked why heart attack cases are being reported so extensively from Hassan alone, Patel was quick to clarify: 'No, it's not just Hassan. We are simply maintaining daily accounts—how many deaths have occurred due to heart attacks and how many people have been admitted. Those figures are being put out in the media. That's why it looks like it's concentrated here. But this is an issue for all districts. What's different is how seriously we've taken it." He said the focus now is on preventing deaths among young people. 'The main aim is to protect lives in the 18 to 35 age group. We don't want any more young lives lost to sudden cardiac issues," he said. Patel confirmed that cases in Hassan are being clearly marked as heart attacks, not just broadly listed under 'unnatural deaths", which is the usual classification in many other districts. 'We've been observing the trend carefully for a month. Every heart-related admission or death is recorded. That's the data we've provided to the media," he said. He added that health minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has directed the director of the Jayadeva Institute to submit a detailed report on the Hassan deaths within ten days. 'Once that report is in, we will act based on science and evidence, not panic. But this issue is real, and we're treating it with the urgency it demands," Patel said. First Published:
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Hims & Hers vs. LifeMD: Which Telehealth Stock Has More Upside?
Virtual healthcare services, or telehealth, are rapidly becoming a standard of care in the expanding digital healthcare space. This is bringing a new class of tech-driven innovators to the forefront. Hims & Hers Health, Inc. HIMS and LifeMD, Inc. LFMD stand out as emerging players in the rapidly evolving digital health solutions space, providing direct-to-consumer virtual healthcare services that include consultations and prescription medications, and catering to the growing demand for accessible healthcare. Hims & Hers is a consumer-first platform transforming the way customers fulfill their health and wellness needs, while LifeMD is a direct-to-patient telehealth company that provides a cost-effective and convenient way to access comprehensive, virtual and in-home healthcare. With both companies showing promise, the question arises: which stock is the better buy at this moment? Let's delve deeper. HIMS (up 67.2%) has underperformed LFMD (up 152.8%) over the past three months. However, in the past year, Hims & Hers has rallied 130.7% compared with LifeMD's gain of 102.2%. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Meanwhile, HIMS is trading at a forward 12-month price-to-sales (P/S) ratio of 4.3, above its median of 2.3X over the past three years. LFMD's forward sales multiple sits at 2.2X, above its last three-year median of 0.9X. While LFMD appears cheap when compared with the Medical sector average of 2.3X, HIMS seems to be expensive. Currently, both Hims & Hers and LifeMD stocks have a Value Score of C. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research HIMS is pursuing a roadmap of rapid specialty expansion into new conditions that can be treated safely and effectively via telehealth, require ongoing and recurring customer relationships, and for which generic medication has been established as an effective treatment option. Promising future care areas for Hims & Hers include sleep disorders and hypertension, which align with its current business model and are prevalent among its customers. This month, HIMS announced its agreement to acquire ZAVA, marking a significant step toward its global expansion. The deal will likely expand the company's footprint in the U.K. and will officially launch the company into Germany, France and Ireland, with more markets anticipated soon. Hims & Hers is also planning to introduce a new, personalized dimension of digital health in Europe. To ensure a localized experience, this expansion is also expected to include access to British, German and French healthcare providers in local languages. In May, Hims & Hers announced the pricing of its offering of $870 million convertible senior notes and the appointment of Mo Elshenawy as the company's new Chief Technology Officer. HIMS intends to use the proceeds from the convertible senior notes offering to support its global expansion through organic growth and strategic acquisitions, while also fueling deeper investment in artificial intelligence, diagnostics and personalized treatments to scale access and meet rising demand for high-quality, personalized care. LifeMD's $299 Wegovy bundle offers a rare, affordable entry point for self-pay patients seeking FDA-approved weight loss therapy. By integrating Novo Nordisk's medication with LifeMD's virtual care, the program replaces risky compounded alternatives with a seamless, compliant solution, meeting urgent demand just as regulatory pressures tighten on non-branded GLP-1 offerings. LifeMD's GLP-1 program already serves more than 75,000 patients, proving strong market traction. Its integrated care model — including virtual visits, lab testing and in-house pharmacy — supports rapid onboarding and retention. With nationwide reach and operational infrastructure in place, LFMD is well-equipped to scale the Wegovy collaboration efficiently and deliver long-term patient outcomes. LifeMD reported first-quarter revenues of $65.7 million and net income of $1.4 million, reflecting a strong turnaround from prior losses. Backed by $34.4 million in cash and scalable systems, LFMD can sustain competitive pricing while expanding care. Its financial health reinforces confidence in the long-term success of the Wegovy partnership. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for HIMS' 2025 earnings per share (EPS) suggests a 170.4% improvement from 2024. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research The Zacks Consensus Estimate for LFMD's 2025 EPS implies an improvement of 107.6% from 2024. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Based on short-term price targets offered by 12 analysts, the average price target for Hims & Hers comes to $46.17, implying a decline of 6.6% from the last close. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Based on short-term price targets offered by eight analysts, the average price target for LifeMD comes to $12.81, implying a decline of 6.8% from the last close. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research While both Hims & Hers and LifeMD are promising players in the digital health space, HIMS, a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) firm, presents a more stable and financially sound investment opportunity at this stage. With strong profitability and margins along with consistently growing user engagement, Hims & Hers offers a capital-efficient model that generates substantial free cash flow and delivers steady returns. LifeMD, a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) firm, is rapidly growing and expanding its clinical footprint. The company expanded across all service areas, and the performance of its weight management program underscored its success during the first quarter of 2025. The launch of LFMD's men's hormone therapy offering and the recent acceptance of Medicare are also off to strong starts, continuing to diversify its telehealth platform. For investors seeking lower execution risk, financial predictability and a proven track record, Hims & Hers emerges as a more compelling choice. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Hims & Hers Health, Inc. (HIMS) : Free Stock Analysis Report LifeMD, Inc. (LFMD) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Time of India
2 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Series of sudden heart-related deaths in Karnataka prompts study
Bengaluru/Mysuru: A series of sudden deaths attributed to cardiac ailments among individuals under 40 in Karnataka has prompted urgent investigations by both the state govt and cardiologists' bodies in Hassan and Mysuru. At least 18 deaths reported over a one-month period in Hassan are now being formally investigated by a committee headed by Dr K S Ravindranath, director, Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, Bengaluru, in collaboration with Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences (HIMS). The committee's report is to be submitted within 10 days. Chief minister Siddaramaiah said the govt will verify deaths and take appropriate action. You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru Dr Rajanna B, the HIMS director, confirmed that the deaths being reviewed had occurred between May 28 and June 28, 2025. "Fourteen of the deceased died at home without consulting doctors. Around nine people were aged under 30, while most others were above 50," he said. With many of the deaths having occurred too long ago for a post-mortem, investigators are primarily relying on medical histories and accounts from local doctors and families. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 6 dias no Reino da Magia Azul Linhas Aéreas Compre já Undo Dr KS Sadananda, superintendent of Jayadeva Mysuru, said: "We now see 3-4 young patients suffering heart attacks daily — many with no prior symptoms." Earlier, admissions were largely limited to those with known conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, or smoking habits. Harsh Gupta, the health and family welfare principal secretary said the committee — previously convened for Covid-related reviews — has now been tasked with investigating these deaths. The sudden surge in cardiac fatalities has triggered public anxiety. "Emergency OPDs at Jayadeva hospitals in Bengaluru and Mysuru have seen a 20% spike in footfall, while 200-300 additional outpatients each in Bengaluru and Mysuru were seen in general OPD on Monday," Dr Ravindranath said. At the same time, the Mysuru chapter of the Cardiological Society of India (CSI) has initiated a region-wide study on rising cardiac cases among young people. Under the supervision of CSI Mysuru president Dr Shashirekha and secretary Dr Veena Nanjappa, the study aims to collect data over two years and submit preventive recommendations to the state govt. The data will cover patients admitted to Jayadeva as well as private hospitals such as Narayana Hrudayalaya, Manipal, BGS Apollo, and others. BOX: Not A New Trend: CN Manjunath Noted cardiologist and Bangalore Rural MP Dr C N Manjunath dismissed rising cases of cardiac fatalities as a new trend. "For two decades, the young and middle-aged are vulnerable to heart attacks and related complications. Between 2013 and 2018, when I was the director at Jayadeva, Bengaluru, we studied 5,000 young heart attack patients. Among those between 20 and 45 years old, 50% were smokers, 18-20% had diabetes and high BP, 17% had a strong family history of premature heart attack," he said. The worrying aspect, he said, was that 25% of the patients were without conventional risk factors, adding that the food safety department should start looking at pesticide residues in fruit and vegetables.
