Is Awareness About Heart-Related Ailments Necessary?

Bengaluru, July 10 (NationPress) In response to the alarming rise in sudden fatalities among young adults in Hassan district, which has garnered significant public and media attention, the Karnataka government has initiated a comprehensive inquiry.

“With the complete report now available, there is no reason for alarm,” stated Dinesh Gundu Rao, the Minister for Health and Family Welfare.

During a press briefing at Jayadeva Hospital in Bengaluru on Thursday, the minister revealed that a committee, headed by the Director of the Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, examined 24 deaths occurring in Hassan throughout May and June 2025.

Following the report's release, the minister shared that of the 24 cases investigated, 14 individuals were under 45 years old, while 10 were over 45. Notably, four deaths were determined to be unrelated to heart ailments, with causes including chronic kidney disease, a road accident, a severe gastroenteritis infection, and electrocution.

Among the remaining 20 cases, 10 were confirmed to be heart-related. Of these, three individuals had prior heart conditions, one had undergone bypass surgery, another had received angioplasty, and one suffered from dilated cardiomyopathy (heart failure). Four of the seven confirmed cardiac-related deaths were verified through post-mortems, while three were based on ECG results. The other 10 were categorized as probable cardiac-related deaths, the minister explained.

Over 75% of the deceased exhibited one or more high-risk factors for heart disease, such as diabetes, obesity, alcohol consumption, smoking, and high blood pressure, he noted.

The sudden deaths of young individuals aged 19, 21, 23, 32, 37, 38, and 43 years raised significant concerns. Six of these individuals were auto-rickshaw and cab drivers who reportedly neglected timely meals, lacked adequate sleep, and faced high stress—factors that contributed to their untimely deaths, he emphasized.

In numerous instances, the deceased did not seek medical assistance prior to their deaths. Even among those declared dead in hospitals, formal post-mortems were seldom performed. The absence of post-mortem data, lack of clinical investigations such as ECGs and cardiac enzyme tests, and limited cooperation from family members complicated efforts to determine precise causes of death, the minister pointed out.

The government plans to provide CPR training to targeted groups, including school and college students, teachers, and gym trainers. Additionally, the “Hrudaya Jyothi” (Heart Light) initiative will be expanded to all Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and Community Health Centres (CHCs).

Health assessments will be mandatory for auto and cab drivers. The minister underscored that this issue is not confined to Hassan but reflects a broader trend related to modern lifestyle — irregular meals, inadequate sleep, and high-stress levels are primary contributors to sudden fatalities.

Health evaluations will also be conducted for 15-year-old children to identify any hereditary heart-related issues early, ensuring timely guidance and treatment.

The report underscores the ramifications of contemporary living. Stressful work environments, sleep deprivation, and erratic and unhealthy eating habits significantly contribute to heart issues. Lifestyle choices such as smoking, alcohol consumption, diabetes, hypertension, and obesity further heighten risk, he explained.

Embracing a healthy lifestyle is crucial. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, sufficient sleep, and effective stress management must be prioritized. This is not solely a concern for Hassan; it serves as a call to action for society at large. The minister concluded by urging everyone to be vigilant and work together to prevent sudden deaths through healthier living.