GG News Bureau
Bengaluru/Hassan 1st July — Karnataka’s Hassan district is witnessing a disturbing rise in heart attack-related fatalities, with 21 people succumbing in just 40 days — a worrying number that includes an increasing number of young adults.
On Monday alone, three individuals lost their lives to sudden cardiac arrest. The victims were identified as Lepakshi (50), a resident of JP Nagar in Belur, who collapsed after complaining of fatigue; Muttayya (58), an English professor from Holenarasipura, who suffered a fatal attack while drinking tea; and Kumar (57), a Group-D employee in Channarayapattana, who died in the hospital after reporting chest pain a day earlier.
Alarming Trend Among the Young
Out of the 21 recorded deaths, 5 were aged between 19 and 25, and 8 between 25 and 45. The unusually high number of fatalities among individuals below 45 years has sent shockwaves through the district. Data from the District Health and Family Welfare Department reveals that Hassan recorded 507 heart attack cases in the past two years, with 190 resulting in death — a fatality rate of nearly 37%.
Jayadeva Hospital Flooded with Patients
The spike in cases has triggered widespread panic, particularly in nearby Bengaluru. The Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, one of the state’s top cardiac hospitals, has seen an 8% surge in outpatient visits. The OPDs are now functioning beyond capacity, with many patients arriving for preventive screenings.
High-Level Probe Ordered
In response to public concern, Harsh Gupta, Principal Secretary of the Health Department, has directed an investigation led by Dr. Ravindranath, Director of Jayadeva Hospital. The committee was originally formed in February to explore possible links between post-Covid health complications and cardiovascular incidents.
Initial reviews of the first 18 deaths show that 9 victims were over 55 with underlying health issues, including Type-1 diabetes and other chronic conditions. Shockingly, five deaths were of individuals in their twenties, four of whom were residents of Bengaluru but originally from Hassan.
Sixteen of the deceased died at home, highlighting the need for deeper analysis of their medical histories and lifestyle factors. Dr. Ravindranath’s committee has been instructed to thoroughly examine all related reports and submit findings within 10 days.
Gupta noted, “Experts at Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences are even exploring possible genetic causes affecting the heart muscle in certain sections of the population.”
Community on Edge
The sudden uptick in young heart attack victims has left families and local communities in fear. Many are calling for increased awareness, early screenings, and better infrastructure in rural hospitals to handle cardiac emergencies.
As Hassan reels from this silent crisis, the coming days will be crucial in determining whether the deaths point to a larger underlying health issue, lifestyle changes, or post-Covid aftershocks — or a deadly combination of all three.
