'We won't ignore vaccine concerns': Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah orders 10-day probe as over 20 die of heart attacks in Hassan; govt forms expert panel, opposition draws fire

NEW DELHI: A wave of sudden cardiac deaths in Karnataka, especially among young people, has jolted the state government into action, with chief minister Siddaramaiah announcing a 10-day deadline for an expert panel to submit its findings. In the past month alone, at least 20 people in Hassan district have reportedly died of heart attacks, many without prior symptoms or pre-existing conditions.

Leading the probe is Dr KS Ravindranath , Director of Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, who is working in coordination with the Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences (HIMS) to identify patterns, possible causes, and preventive measures.

“Fourteen of the deceased died at home without seeking medical help. Nine were under 30,” said Dr Rajanna B, director of HIMS, confirming that the deaths occurred between May 28 and June 28, 2025.

With many cases too old for post-mortems, investigators are depending on local doctors, family testimonies, and patient records. The deaths have sparked concern across the state, with Jayadeva hospitals in Bengaluru and Mysuru reporting a 20% rise in emergency cardiac OPD visits.

Is there a vaccine link?

In a statement on Tuesday, CM Siddaramaiah did not rule out the possibility that Covid-19 vaccines may have contributed to some of the deaths. “We cannot ignore that the hasty approval and distribution of the vaccine could also be a factor, as global studies have hinted at links to cardiac issues,” he said. He added that the same expert committee had been asked in February to study post-vaccination effects and young adult deaths statewide.

“Before BJP criticizes us, they should ask their conscience,” Siddaramaiah remarked, accusing opposition leaders of politicizing a public health concern.

Cardiologists divided

The medical fraternity appears split on the issue. While the Mysuru chapter of the Cardiological Society of India (CSI) has launched a separate two-year study into rising cardiac cases among youth, led by Dr Shashirekha and Dr Veena Nanjappa, senior cardiologist and MP Dr CN Manjunath downplayed the trend as new.

“This is not a sudden phenomenon,” said Dr Manjunath, who cited a 2013–2018 study of 5,000 heart attack patients aged 20–45. “We found 50% were smokers, and nearly 20% had diabetes or high BP. But worryingly, 25% had no conventional risk factors. We need to examine food safety and pesticide exposure too.”

Public urged not to ignore warning signs

While the debate continues, the government is urging citizens not to delay seeking help. “Anyone with chest pain or breathing issues must go to the nearest health centre immediately,” said Siddaramaiah. He cited state-run health programs like Hridaya Jyothi and Gruha Arogya as part of efforts to monitor and respond to rising cardiac risk.

The expert committee’s report is expected by July 10.