01-07-2025
Expert panel to look into ‘surge in cases of cardiac arrest' in Karnataka's Hassan
The Karnataka Health and Family Welfare Department has formed a committee to investigate reports of an alleged surge in cases of cardiac arrest in Hassan district. The committee headed by Dr K S Ravindranath, director of Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research (JICSR) was on Monday directed to submit a report on the matter within 10 days.
In a post on X, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said the Department is seriously taking into account the 18 cases of cardiac arrest reported in Hassan district over the past month.
'There is a need for a comprehensive study regarding the recent rise in heart attacks among young people. Although changing lifestyles, diet, and non-communicable diseases appear to be primary causes at first glance, the case in Hassan has raised several questions. In order to find a solution, a team of experts has been instructed to conduct a study and submit a report within 10 days,' he said.
On Monday, Rao said the department would launch district-wide ECG and blood pressure screening camps with a focus on rural areas. Busting claims that COVID-19 vaccines were causing such cases, he said that factors such as smoking, chewing tobacco, alcohol consumption, stress and genetic causes were key factors, rather than the vaccine.
Recent reports on cases of cardiac arrest have triggered concern in parts of South Karnataka, with various branches of JICSR seeing a surge in the number of outpatients opting for check-ups.
