A sharp rise in heart attack-related deaths in Karnataka’s Hassan district has triggered concern and prompted a government-led investigation into the mysterious circumstances. Over the past 40 days, the district has recorded 22 to 23 sudden deaths, many of which involved young and previously healthy individuals, including people in their 20s and 30s.

The state government, led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, has formed an expert panel under the leadership of Dr. K. S. Ravindranath, a cardiologist from the Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research. The panel is expected to submit a detailed report within a week to ten days. Additionally, a local six-member team has been deployed in Hassan to conduct thorough case analyses, including collecting data through verbal autopsies and examining the victims' medical history.

While the spike in fatalities has raised alarms, data shows that heart attack deaths are on the rise statewide. From January to May this year, Karnataka recorded 6,943 heart attack-related deaths in government hospitals, averaging nearly 1,388 deaths per month. Hassan alone accounted for 183 such deaths during the same period, making the recent surge noteworthy but not entirely outside statistical expectations.

Health experts suggest that lifestyle factors such as poor diet, lack of physical activity, high stress, pollution, smoking, and undiagnosed conditions like diabetes or high cholesterol may be contributing to the increased mortality. The possibility of environmental factors, including exposure to harmful substances, is also being examined. Some experts recommend screening for hidden cardiovascular risks through advanced diagnostic tools like coronary calcium scans.

In response to speculation circulating on social media, particularly regarding a possible link between COVID-19 vaccinations and these sudden deaths, health authorities have firmly denied any such connection. Investigations by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), and World Health Organization (WHO) have found no evidence to support the claim. Prominent Indian pharmaceutical companies and medical associations have also come forward in support of vaccine safety, stating that misinformation is unnecessarily causing panic.

To tackle the situation on the ground, health officials in Hassan have begun organizing cardiac screening camps, particularly in rural areas. ECG machines are being supplied to primary and taluk-level health centers, and awareness campaigns focusing on early symptoms, preventive care, and healthy lifestyles are underway. Authorities have also proposed regular heart health check-ups in schools and suggested establishing a national registry to track sudden cardiac deaths.

The expert panel’s findings are expected to shed more light on the root causes behind the recent deaths. Meanwhile, health officials have urged the public to remain vigilant, seek medical attention for early warning signs, and avoid speculation until evidence-based conclusions are presented.