18 People Die From Heart Attack In Only A Month In Karnataka's Hassan District, Health Minister Orders Probe

In just one month, Karnataka's Hassan district recorded 18 heart attack cases, many involving young individuals - an unusual and alarming pattern. Taking cognizance of the situation, State Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has asked the authorities to take strong measures to deal with rise in heart attack cases.

Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao took to social media to confirm that a formal investigation is underway. "We're taking this very seriously," he posted on X (formerly Twitter). "A special committee has been formed to understand the reasons behind this worrying trend."

Expert Committee to Lead the Investigation

To get to the bottom of the matter, the state has appointed a team of medical experts led by Dr C.N. Ravindra of the Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences. The committee has been given 10 days to conduct a detailed study and report its findings. Their focus: understanding what's driving this spike and recommending urgent preventive steps.

A Wake-Up Call for Youth Health?

What's especially troubling is the age profile of many patients. Heart attacks are typically associated with older adults and those with chronic conditions. But in Hassan, several of the recent cases involve people in their 20s and 30s.

"Yes, lifestyle choices like junk food, alcohol, smoking, and high stress levels are common culprits," a senior official from the Health Department said. "But something else may be happening here - and we need to find out what."

State Health Initiatives in the Spotlight

Karnataka has already launched cardiac health programmes like the Puneeth Rajkumar Hrudaya Jyothi Yojane, aimed at promoting early detection and providing life-saving support in emergencies. Yet, the situation in Hassan suggests that existing efforts may need a sharper focus - particularly when it comes to younger populations.

Minister Rao, speaking at an event in Mangaluru, stressed the importance of preventive care. "We're planning a more comprehensive health strategy," he said, "which includes mass awareness campaigns, routine screenings, and quick-response systems for heart-related emergencies."

More Than Just Numbers

Beyond statistics, this sudden rise in cardiac cases has triggered an important public health question: Why are young people in Hassan suffering heart attacks at such an unusual rate? The upcoming report from Dr. Ravindra's team is expected to provide some much-needed answers.