Why Are Heart Attacks Rising in Hassan? Shocking Spike Among Young Adults Prompts Investigation

Karnataka’s Hassan district is grappling with a disturbing health crisis as 22 people have died of heart attacks in just 40 days, including several young adults aged 19 to 25. The sudden spike has triggered widespread concern among residents and prompted the state government to launch an urgent investigation.

According to the District Health and Family Welfare Department, the fatalities include five individuals under 25 and eight between 25 and 45, a pattern that deviates sharply from traditional heart attack demographics. The victims came from varied backgrounds—students, professionals, and daily wage workers—many of whom had no known history of cardiac illness.

Health experts are exploring multiple possible causes:

Post-COVID complications: Some victims had previously recovered from COVID-19, raising concerns about lingering cardiovascular effects.

Lifestyle factors: Sedentary habits, poor diet, smoking, and stress are being considered as contributing elements.

Genetic predisposition: Preliminary findings suggest that certain genetic markers affecting heart muscle function may be more prevalent in the local population.

Delayed diagnosis: A majority of the deaths occurred at home, indicating a lack of early detection or timely medical intervention.

The Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research has been tasked with leading the probe. A special committee, headed by Dr. Ravindranath, is reviewing medical records and autopsy reports to determine underlying causes.

Meanwhile, Jayadeva Hospital in Bengaluru has reported an 8% increase in cardiac OPD visits, with many patients arriving from Hassan and nearby districts for precautionary check-ups.

As the investigation continues, health officials are urging residents to undergo regular heart screenings and adopt healthier lifestyles. The Hassan episode serves as a stark reminder that heart disease is no longer confined to the elderly—and that early awareness could be the key to saving lives.