Karnataka govt to investigate surge in heart attacks in Hassan district

Bengaluru: Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has ordered an expert study into the rise in heart attack cases in Hassan district.

Taking to 'X' on Monday, he said the Health Department has taken the 18 heart attack cases reported in Hassan district within a month seriously.

"I have already instructed the department officials to conduct a study by experts under the leadership of the Director of Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research to investigate the increase in heart attacks and submit a report," he said.

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.

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.