India is witnessing a noticeable rise in sudden heart attack cases, particularly among
young and middle-aged adults, raising serious public health concerns. In recent weeks,
reports from various parts of the country, including Karnataka’s Hassan district, have
fueled speculation that COVID-19 vaccines might be linked to these cardiac incidents.
However, in a detailed investigation, leading health bodies AIIMS Delhi and the Indian
Council of Medical Research (ICMR) have firmly clarified that there is no scientific
connection between COVID-19 vaccination and the recent spike in heart-related
deaths.
Heart Attack Cases on the Rise
In Karnataka’s Hassan district alone, 23 sudden cardiac deaths were reported in a
span of just 40 days, affecting individuals between 20 to 60 years of age. Similar reports
from other states have added to growing public anxiety, especially on social media,
where many began questioning the long-term effects of the COVID-19 vaccines.
This surge in heart attack cases prompted immediate investigations at both the state
and national levels.
AIIMS and ICMR: No Evidence Linking Vaccines to Heart Attacks
After an extensive study covering 47 hospitals across 19 states from October 2021 to
March 2023, AIIMS and ICMR jointly concluded that COVID-19 vaccines are not
responsible for sudden deaths or cardiac arrests.
“There is no evidence to support claims that vaccines cause heart attacks. The increase
in cardiac cases is due to other factors,” said a senior AIIMS cardiologist.
The studies pointed towards lifestyle-related factors, pre-existing health conditions,
genetic predispositions, and post-COVID complications as the more likely culprits
behind the rising heart issues.
Government and Health Experts Speak Out
The Union Health Ministry also stepped in to calm the situation, stating that COVID-19
vaccines are safe and continue to play a vital role in protecting public health.
“Vaccination is not a cause of sudden deaths. People should not fall for
misinformation,” said a statement from the Ministry.
Prominent vaccine manufacturers like Serum Institute of India also reaffirmed the
safety of their vaccines, citing the same findings from the AIIMS-ICMR research
What Could Be Causing the Rise?
Experts believe that the increase in heart attacks may be linked to:
• Poor lifestyle habits: unhealthy diets, lack of physical activity, smoking, and
high stress levels.
• Genetic risk factors that go undiagnosed in younger people.
• Post-COVID complications that can damage the heart over time, especially in
those who had severe infections.
• Air pollution, particularly in urban areas, which has long been known to impact
heart health.
Karnataka Orders State-Level Probe
Following the alarming reports from Hassan, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah
ordered a special investigation led by the Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular
Sciences to examine the specific circumstances behind these sudden deaths.
While a formal report is awaited, preliminary findings indicate no vaccine involvement
in the Hassan cases either
Despite the worrying rise in heart attack cases, India’s top medical authorities have
provided much-needed clarity: there is no link between COVID-19 vaccines and
sudden cardiac deaths.
Instead, the focus now shifts to raising public awareness about heart health, regular
screenings, and lifestyle changes to reduce risk.
Health experts strongly advise the public to:
• Stay physically active
• Maintain a balanced diet
• Manage stress levels
• Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
• Go for regular heart health check-ups, especially if there is a family history of
heart disease
Misinformation can be dangerous. People are urged to rely on verified medical sources
and government advisories to make informed health decisions.