Not the time for hasty conclusions

Deccan Herald

03-07-2025

Karnataka's Hassan district is facing a public health emergency that demands immediate attention: a sudden and unexplained surge in deaths caused by heart attack has claimed at least 22 lives in 40 days. What makes the situation particularly alarming is the disproportionate impact on the younger demographic. Among the 22 casualties, five were aged between 19 and 25 years, and eight between 25 and 45. That nearly 60% of the deaths occurred among the young and middle-aged population has rattled both the public and the medical fraternity, because it defies the perception of heart attacks primarily affecting the older generation. This has sent ripples of fear through the community and left medical professionals searching for answers. The psychological toll of this crisis is already evident. Bengaluru's Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research has reported an 8% rise in out-patient consultations over the past two weeks, with many patients travelling from Hassan and neighbouring areas..Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has suggested that there could be a correlation between 'hastily approved' Covid vaccines and the spate of heart attacks. However, Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has cautioned against jumping to conclusions without comprehensive national and international studies. Dr K S Ravindranath, Director of Jayadeva Institute and head of the government-appointed investigative committee, has assured that the medical histories of the victims will be thoroughly examined. However, concerns remain about whether the committee has the resources for an exhaustive epidemiological study, particularly to establish a possible link between the vaccines and the heart attacks..The inquiry must be holistic, extending beyond the focus on vaccines. Dr Ravindranath has rightly pointed to well-documented risk factors, such as rising rates of hypertension, diabetes, chronic stress, sedentary lifestyles, and tobacco use among youngsters, that could be contributing to this trend. However, this alone does not explain why Hassan is experiencing such a concentrated spike. Beyond identifying the causes, the government must take swift action to prevent more tragedies. This means not only improving emergency cardiac care but also investing in preventive healthcare infrastructure across district hospitals. At the community level, public awareness campaigns about heart health and lifestyle risks could save lives. The Hassan crisis is a reminder that public health is a dynamic landscape, requiring continuous monitoring, proactive measures, and a commitment to evidence-based interventions. Hasty conclusions must be avoided. Instead, a thorough, multipronged approach is required to understand and mitigate this health challenge and restore public trust.