Expert committee finds no direct COVID vaccine link; lifestyle diseases, tobacco use identified as key contributors
Mysuru – In response to a worrisome spike in heart attack-related deaths in Karnataka’s Hassan district, thousands of residents are flocking to Jayadeva Hospitals in Mysuru and Bengaluru, overwhelming the outpatient departments with requests for cardiac evaluations.
Hospital officials have reported a sharp rise in footfall, with long queues forming as early as dawn, especially after media reports revealed 23 heart attack deaths in just 40 days, six of which involved youths aged 19 to 25.
The Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences in Bengaluru has seen an 8% increase in patient numbers, with many arriving from Hassan and surrounding areas seeking precautionary screenings.
“Don’t Panic, Focus on Lifestyle Changes”: Doctors Advise
Dr. K.S. Sadananda, Medical Superintendent at Jayadeva Hospital, Mysuru, appealed to the public to remain calm. “People are panicking and rushing to Jayadeva after seeing media reports. But one hospital check-up cannot solve the issue. The real answer lies in lifestyle changes, including regular exercise, quitting tobacco, and managing stress.”
He urged people to utilize local healthcare centres rather than overcrowding major hospitals, stressing the need to avoid delays in care for existing cardiac patients.
State Government Orders Probe
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has taken note of the situation and confirmed the formation of a special investigation committee, led by Dr. K.S. Ravindranath, Director of Jayadeva Institute, to probe the unusual spike in sudden cardiac deaths.
No Direct Link to COVID Vaccine: Panel Findings
The expert committee’s report, now submitted to the government, clarified that COVID-19 vaccination is not the cause of the deaths. Speaking after a review meeting in Bengaluru, the panel confirmed that while most victims had been vaccinated, data from 253 patients showed no causal link between the vaccine and cardiac arrests.
The report emphasized that lifestyle-related conditions—particularly tobacco use (found in over 50% of cases), diabetes, hypertension, and obesity—were the primary factors. It also raised concerns about sedentary behaviour, excessive screen time, and chronic stress, especially among younger individuals.
State to Launch Preventive Measures
In response to the findings, the Karnataka government is planning a set of proactive interventions, including:
- Awareness campaigns on heart health
- Promotion of regular exercise and dietary changes
- Tobacco cessation initiatives
- Strengthening cardiac care infrastructure in rural areas
Health authorities have also recommended that Hassan district be treated as a special case study for further analysis and focused intervention.
