By News18
Karnataka鈥檚 Hassan district is grappling with an alarming surge in heart attack fatalities, with Monday鈥檚 three more deaths bringing the total to 21 in just 40 days.
Particularly concerning is that a significant number of deceased are young adults.
Those who died on Monday were Lepakshi, 50, from JP Nagar in Belur town, who collapsed suddenly after complaining of fatigue; Professor Muttayya, 58, an English professor in Holenarasipura, who suffered a fatal heart attack while having tea; and Kumar, 57, a D-Group employee in Channarayapattana, who succumbed to cardiac arrest after being hospitalised with chest pain on Sunday.
Five Aged 19-25, Eight Aged 25-45
Of the 21 fatalities, five were in the 19-25 age group and eight in the 25-45 age group. The fact that a majority of the deceased were below the age of 45 has left residents deeply shocked and concerned. This pattern is reflected in the District Health and Family Welfare Department鈥檚 statistics, which show 190 fatal heart attack cases out of 507 reported in Hassan over the past two years.
Jayadeva Hospital Overwhelmed
The alarming increase in heart attack cases has led to a significant surge in patients seeking cardiac check-ups at Jayadeva Hospital in Bengaluru. The Outpatient Departments (OPDs) are currently overflowing, with an estimated 8% increase in patient visits since the recent spike in cases. This influx underscores the growing public anxiety and the urgent need for comprehensive cardiac care in the region.
High-Level Probe Underway
In response to this escalating crisis, a committee has been formed under the leadership of Dr Ravindranath, Director of the Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research. This move follows a directive from Harsh Gupta, Principal Secretary of the Health Department.
Initial findings from the department over the 18 heart attack deaths revealed that nine of the deceased were over 55 with co-morbidities, and five were in their 20s (four of whom died in Bengaluru but were originally from Hassan). Factors like Type-1 diabetes and chronic diseases were present in some cases. Sixteen of the initial 18 reported deaths occurred at home, necessitating a thorough review of past medical records.
Gupta said, 鈥淓xperts at Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences are saying that apart from other health reasons, there could be genetic reasons that affect heart muscle in the population. Whether it鈥檚 genetic reasons or other uncontrolled health issue etc., in these nine cases we have sought a report.鈥
The committee, initially established in February to investigate potential links between Covid-19 and heart-related incidents, has now been specifically instructed to review all Hassan medical reports and submit its comprehensive findings within 10 days.