Bangalore: An unusual and alarming spike in heart attack cases in Karnataka’s Hassan district has prompted the state government to initiate a high-level investigation. Over the past month, the district has witnessed a troubling rise in cardiac-related deaths, with at least 22 cases reported, including four fatalities recorded on a single day, June 30. The victims span various age groups, including teenagers and young adults, triggering widespread concern among the public and health experts alike.
The sudden increase in deaths, particularly among individuals with no prior history of cardiac ailments, has compelled the Karnataka Health Department to act swiftly. Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has appointed an expert medical committee from the Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research to investigate the root cause of the fatalities. The team has been directed to submit a detailed report within 10 days after analyzing clinical histories, autopsy reports, lifestyle factors, and environmental influences.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has publicly acknowledged the gravity of the situation and suggested that the possibility of post-COVID-19 vaccine complications should not be ruled out. While urging the public to remain calm, he emphasized the need for a transparent and science-based inquiry. He also noted that this wave of deaths appears localized to Hassan district, as no similar trends have been observed in adjacent regions.
As news of the fatalities spread, panic has begun to grip the district, with hospitals in Hassan, Mysuru, and Bengaluru reporting a surge in cardiac-related consultations. Jayadeva Hospital alone has witnessed an 8–20% rise in outpatient visits. Many of these patients are younger individuals seeking preventive screening out of fear, underscoring the psychological impact of the incident.
To address the growing crisis, the state government has announced a series of emergency measures. Health screening camps will be conducted across all taluks in Hassan district, focusing on ECG and blood pressure checks. Local ASHA workers and health staff are being trained to detect early signs of heart issues. The state also plans to intensify public awareness campaigns in schools, panchayats, and through regional media to educate people on recognizing cardiac symptoms.
Additionally, the government will review existing healthcare schemes such as Hrudaya Jyoti and explore the expansion of emergency cardiac care services in rural areas. Mobile health vans equipped with diagnostic facilities may also be deployed to reach remote villages where access to hospitals is limited.
As Hassan district mourns the unexpected deaths and fears of a larger health crisis loom, the government’s timely intervention and the findings of the expert panel will be crucial in shaping the path forward. Karnataka now waits with bated breath as the investigation unfolds, hoping for answers and solutions to a crisis that has shaken a quiet region to its core.