Hubballi: A disturbing trend of rising cardiac related deaths continues to rattle Karnataka’s Hassan district, where 21 people have died of sudden cardiac arrests in just 40 days. The unusually high number of fatalities—especially among those under the age of 45—has triggered deep concern among health authorities and the public.
Youth Hit Hard
Among the 21 victims, five were aged between 19 and 25, and eight were in the 25–45 age group, according to health department data. In the last two years alone, Hassan district has recorded 190 heart attack deaths out of 507 cases, indicating a serious and possibly escalating cardiac health crisis.
Expert Speaks: “Cardiac Events Seasonal, But Preventable”
Reacting to the reports, Senior Cardiologist Dr. N.S. Hiregoudar stated that heart attacks during this time of year are not unusual, as seasonal fluctuations can impact cardiovascular health. However, he emphasized that the increasing number of young individuals falling prey to heart attacks is concerning and preventable with timely interventions.
“Anyone over the age of 20 should undergo basic screenings like blood sugar, lipid profile, and blood pressure checks, especially if there’s a family history of heart disease,” said dr Hiregoudar.
He advised that individuals aged 30 and above should go for a complete cardiac evaluation, including ECG and stress tests, if recommended. “Maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding tobacco and alcohol, adopting a balanced diet, and exercising regularly are crucial. Prevention is always better than cure,” he added.
Dr. Hiregoudar also urged the public not to ignore early warning signs such as:
- Chest heaviness or discomfort
- Unusual fatigue
- Pain radiating to the left arm
- Symptoms aggravated by routine activity
“These symptoms, even if mild, could be signs of underlying cardiac issues. Early detection can save lives,” he said.
Jayadeva Hospital Sees Surge in Patients
Following the string of deaths, Jayadeva Hospital in Bengaluru has reported an 8% increase in outpatient visits, especially from patients in Hassan. Doctors say the rise reflects widespread anxiety and an urgent need for awareness and routine cardiac screening, even among the younger population.
Government Launches Probe
To address the situation, the Karnataka Health Department has ordered an investigation into the deaths. A high-level committee, led by Dr. Ravindranath of Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, has been tasked with reviewing all cardiac-related deaths in the district. The team is expected to submit a detailed report within 10 days.
Preliminary findings reveal that several of the victims had pre-existing conditions such as Type-1 diabetes and other chronic illnesses. However, some were young and reportedly healthy, prompting authorities to explore potential genetic factors or environmental triggers contributing to the trend.
