No, COVID vaccines aren't killing young adults; The real threat is being ignored: Experts
undiagnosed heart conditions
, inform medical experts.
India's premier scientific institutions have firmly debunked the narrative linking COVID-19 vaccines to
sudden cardiac deaths
.
Backed by research from ICMR, NCDC, and AIIMS, health experts are urging the public to move beyond vaccine blame and address the actual risk factors—undiagnosed cardiac issues, post-COVID complications, poor lifestyle habits, and genetic predispositions.
'The recent findings are timely and reassuring. Most sudden cardiac deaths occur due to pre-existing or lifestyle-related cardiac issues—not vaccines,' said Dr. Amit Bhushan Sharma, Director and Unit Head, Cardiologist, Paras Health, Gurugram.
'Vaccination is not the problem—neglected heart health is,' said Dr. Prabhat Ranjan Sinha, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Aakash Healthcare.
These comments come amid rising public anxiety around unexplained deaths among adults aged 18 to 45. The ICMR-NIE multicentric study, conducted from May to August 2023 across 47 hospitals in 19 states, analysed cases of healthy adults who died suddenly between October 2021 and March 2023. The study found no increased risk of sudden death linked to COVID-19 vaccination.
Complementing the ICMR-NIE findings, an ongoing AIIMS-led prospective study has identified myocardial infarction (heart attacks) as the leading cause of such deaths, with genetic mutations noted in some unexplained cases. Importantly, no significant deviation from pre-pandemic mortality patterns has emerged.
'When people hear of sudden deaths in the young, they panic. But attributing them to vaccines without evidence only spreads fear,' said Dr. Praveen Gupta, Chairman, Marengo Asia International Institute of Neuro and Spine. 'The data is clear—there is no causal link. Awareness, early diagnosis, and mental well-being must now be our focus.'
Experts clarified that typical post-vaccination symptoms such as mild fever, fatigue, or muscle aches are short-lived and unrelated to cardiac functioning. 'These symptoms are completely different from true cardiac red flags like chest pain, palpitations, or fainting,' Dr. Sharma emphasised.
The findings stress the urgent need for preventive cardiac screening, particularly in individuals with sedentary lifestyles, high stress levels, or a family history of heart disease. 'Vaccines have passed rigorous trials and regulatory scrutiny. Sudden cardiac deaths are multifactorial—but COVID-19 vaccination is not among the contributing factors,' reiterated Dr. Sinha.
The Union Health Ministry, in a statement, reaffirmed its commitment to evidence-based public health communication and warned against misinformation that could undermine trust in future immunisation efforts. Experts are calling for responsible communication and increased awareness around early signs of heart disease to prevent further loss of life and public panic.
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