India is witnessing a troubling surge in heart attack-related fatalities, with recent data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) revealing a 26% increase in deaths between 2018 and 2022. The number of heart attack deaths rose from 25,764 in 2018 to 32,410 in 2022, marking a 75% spike over the past decade.
What’s particularly alarming is the sharp rise in fatalities among young adults under 30, which jumped by 40% during the same period—from 2,371 to 3,329 deaths. Experts attribute this trend to a combination of post-COVID complications, lifestyle factors, and delayed diagnosis. Many of the victims were reportedly urban males, including gym-goers and smokers, some of whom were recovering from COVID-19.
Cardiologist Dr. Upendra Kaul has noted a growing number of young patients showing signs of heart damage post-COVID. Supporting this, an AIIMS study linked the rise in cardiac events to chronic stress, poor dietary habits, and late detection of underlying conditions.
Geographically, Maharashtra and Kerala continue to report the highest number of heart attack deaths, with Maharashtra alone accounting for 12,591 fatalities in 2022. Overall, sudden deaths—which include heart attacks—have risen by 23% in five years, making up 13.4% of all accidental deaths in 2022.
Karnataka’s Hassan district is facing a health crisis with 22 heart attack deaths reported in just 40 days, including several young adults aged 19–25. The sudden spike has alarmed locals and health officials, prompting the government to launch a probe. Many victims had no prior health issues, raising concerns about stress, lifestyle, and post-COVID complications. A special committee is reviewing medical records to uncover underlying causes
Health experts are urging immediate public health interventions, including early cardiovascular screening, awareness campaigns, and lifestyle modifications to curb this growing crisis. As India grapples with the long-term effects of the pandemic, the need to prioritize heart health among younger populations has never been more urgent.