18 heart attack deaths in 1 month; this district has govt worried

In response to a sudden and alarming spike in heart attack cases in Karnataka's Hassan district, Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has directed an in-depth expert investigation into the matter. The decision comes after 18 cases of heart attacks were reported in the district within the span of just one month, raising significant public health concerns.

Taking to the social media platform 'X' on Monday, Minister Rao emphasized that the government is treating the situation with utmost seriousness. “The Health Department has taken note of the increase in heart attack cases in Hassan district. I have already instructed department officials to conduct a scientific study under the leadership of the Director of Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, to investigate the cause and submit a detailed report,” Rao stated.

According to Rao, the state government has implemented the Puneeth Rajkumar Hrudaya Jyothi Yojane to prevent sudden heart attacks. But, there is a need for comprehensive research on the recent increase in heart attacks among young people. 

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Although changing lifestyle, diet, and non-communicable diseases are cited as factors contributing to heart ailments, the cases in Hassan have raised several questions. In order to find a solution to this, a team of experts has been instructed to conduct a study and submit a report within 10 days.

Earlier, speaking to the reporters in Mangaluru, the Health Minister said that he has directed officials to develop a robust programme focusing on early detection, awareness, and preventive care for cardiac ailments. 

An expert committee led by Dr CN Ravindra of Jayadeva Institute has been constituted to look into the reasons behind such multiple cases of heart attacks. 

Pointing to certain findings, the Minister said lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol use, gutka (chewing tobacco), obesity, stress and genetic predisposition are key drivers, rather than COVID-19 vaccines. 

In response to these findings, Rao has instructed the health department to launch district-wide ECG and blood pressure screening camps, particularly targeting rural areas. 

He emphasised the importance of deploying medical technicians and mobilising awareness campaigns in schools, colleges, and gram panchayats. 

"These directives will be executed under a high-level task force comprising senior officials from the Health Department, with priorities including timely ECG testing, public education on cardiac risks, and steps to curb unhealthy lifestyle habits", Rao added.

(With inputs from PTI)