A concerning surge in heart attack-related deaths in the Hassan district of Karnataka, India, has prompted investigations into potential causes, including cardiac arrest and blood clots. In the past 40 days, 22 individuals have died from heart attack-related issues, with a disproportionate number of victims being under the age of 45. This alarming trend has sparked public health concerns and led to the formation of expert committees to determine the underlying factors contributing to these deaths.
The recent increase in heart attack-related deaths has affected individuals across various demographics, including students, homemakers, teachers, and government employees. On June 30, 2025, four more individuals died of suspected cardiac arrest, highlighting the urgency of the situation. The victims included a 50-year-old homemaker, a 58-year-old English lecturer, a 57-year-old D-group employee, and a 63-year-old individual who collapsed suddenly.
What is particularly alarming is the age profile of the victims. Five of the 22 reported deaths were individuals aged between 19 and 25, and eight were between 25 and 45. This has raised concerns about the increasing incidence of heart-related issues among younger populations.
In response to the escalating crisis, Hassan Deputy Commissioner K.S. Lathakumari formed a six-member medical committee to investigate the causes behind the surge in heart attack-related deaths. The committee includes the District Health Officer, the Director of Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences (HIMS), and senior cardiologists. The committee is expected to submit its report soon.
Another expert committee, headed by K.S. Ravindranath, Director of Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, was also entrusted with studying the reported rise in sudden heart attack deaths in Hassan district. This committee was formed in February 2025 to evaluate potential links between cardiovascular events and prior SARS-CoV-2 infection or COVID-19 vaccination. However, the committee has not found any association between premature cardiovascular disease and a prior history of COVID-19 infection or COVID vaccination.
The expert committee is focusing on outlining possible causes behind the reported rise in deaths, including lifestyle factors, post-COVID health issues, access to timely medical care, and environmental or occupational risks. They have collected and studied treatment details and available post-mortem reports of the deceased. However, out of the 22 deceased during May-June, only eight underwent post-mortem examinations, which means the committee is depending on verbal autopsies.
While investigations are ongoing, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has urged people to seek immediate medical help if they experience symptoms like chest pain or breathlessness. Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has also asked the public to remain calm while the investigation continues, emphasizing that speculation could cause unnecessary alarm.
The rise in heart attack-related deaths in Hassan has prompted increased vigilance and monitoring of heart patients. Jayadeva Hospital in Bengaluru has witnessed an 8% increase in cardiac patient visits in recent weeks, with most patients coming from Hassan and nearby areas.
The Union Health Ministry has firmly stated that studies by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) affirm that COVID-19 vaccines in India are safe and effective, with extremely rare instances of serious side effects. They emphasize that sudden cardiac deaths can result from a wide range of factors, including genetics, lifestyle, pre-existing conditions, and post-COVID complications.
