The minister further clarified that there is no link between the COVID-19 vaccine and the heart attack cases in Hassan. "People should not doubt the vaccine. The belief that these cases are occurring only in Hassan is incorrect," he stated.
Published Jul 15, 2025 | 6:09 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 15, 2025 | 6:09 PM
Karnataka Minister Dr Sharanprakash Patil. (X)
Synopsis: Karnataka Minister Dr Sharanprakash Patil addressed concerns over reports of rising heart attack cases in Hassan, assuring no link to COVID-19 vaccines and no unusual spike in deaths. A study found 75% of victims had cardiac risk factors. The government plans screenings and awareness drives, urging healthy lifestyles and caution against panic.
Addressing the the increasing number of heart attack cases being reported in Hassan, Karnataka, Dr Sharanprakash R Patil, state Minister for medical education, reassured the public that there is no need for public panic as the average number of such cases is similar to last year.
Speaking at a joint press conference at Vikas Soudha alongside Health and Family Welfare Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, Dr Patil assured that the government is taking appropriate measures.
“Following reports of a rise in heart attack cases in Hassan, there has been a significant surge in the number of patients visiting hospitals like Jayadeva hospital, as well as in the number of people seeking preventive checks. This has created an unusual situation,” Dr Patil noted.
The minister further clarified that there is no link between the COVID-19 vaccine and the heart attack cases in Hassan. “People should not doubt the vaccine. The belief that these cases are occurring only in Hassan is incorrect,” he stated.
“Instead of fearing heart attacks, people should focus on leading a healthy lifestyle, getting adequate sleep, and exercising regularly. Only those showing symptoms of heart-related illness should go for a medical check-up. Don’t rush to hospitals without a reason,” he advised.
A state-appointed probe into deaths of 24 individuals in Hassan has concluded that there is no unusual rise in cardiac fatalities. However, the disproportionately high number of young adults among the deceased has led the government to initiate a district-wide heart health screening programme.
Of the 24 sudden deaths reported in Hassan district between May and June 2025, 14 were individuals under the age of 45, according to a government-appointed investigation led by the Director of Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences.
Four deaths were found to be non-cardiac—linked to kidney disease, a road accident, an infection, and suspected electrocution—while the other 20 were either confirmed or likely due to cardiac causes.
“More than 75 percent of the deceased had one or more cardiac risk factors,” the report notes, including obesity (8), alcohol use (8), diabetes (7), hypertension (6), smoking (6), and family history (3).
Dr Patil further noted that post-COVID lifestyle changes have led to a rise in diabetes and blood pressure cases. “Dietary habits have changed, and stress levels have increased. We are studying the reasons behind the rise in deaths among youth,” he added.
In January, 178 people were admitted, with 11 deaths reported. In February, 10 out of 181 patients died; in March, 9 out of 200, and in Bengaluru, 2,165 were hospitalized, with 101 deaths reported. “Getting your heart checked once a year is sufficient. There’s no need to panic and visit hospitals out of fear,” Dr Patil reiterated.
Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao stated that there is no need for screening children for heart diseases. “We will organize awareness programs through Jayadeva Hospital. We are also taking strict action on roadside food vendors and unhygienic food preparation methods,” he said.
He urged people to stick to traditional dietary practices and recommended yoga as a highly beneficial habit.
Cardiologist Dr KS Ravindranath from Jayadeva hospital, principal secretary Mohammad Mohsin and director Dr BL Sujatha Rathod were also present.
(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Chetana Belagere)
