Karnataka CM Flags Possible COVID Vaccine Link To Heart Attack Deaths, Orders Probe Into Hassan Incidents

Karnataka's CM Siddaramaiah ordered an investigation into a spike in heart attack deaths in Hassan district, particularly among young people.

Siddaramaiah revealed that this committee had already been directed in February to examine the causes of sudden deaths among young people across Karnataka and explore any potential links with COVID-19 vaccination.

Source : Facebook

In the wake of a disturbing spike in heart attack-related deaths in Karnataka’s Hassan district, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has raised concerns over a possible link between the fatalities and the COVID-19 vaccine rollout. Citing what he called the “hasty approval and distribution” of the vaccines, the CM urged caution and ordered an expert investigation into the matter.

Over 20 people have reportedly died due to heart attacks in Hassan district in the past month alone, with four victims under the age of 20 and several others in their 20s, 30s, and 40s, according to data shared by the health department. The sudden rise in cardiac-related deaths—particularly among the young—has triggered public concern and prompted swift action from the state government.

CM Warns Against Ignoring Symptoms

In a post shared on his official 'X' account, Siddaramaiah urged people to take symptoms like chest pain or breathing difficulties seriously and to visit the nearest health facility immediately. "We too value the lives of children, youth, and innocent people who have their entire lives ahead of them, and we share the concerns of their families," he said.

Expert Committee Formed

To investigate the deaths, the state government has constituted an expert committee led by Dr CN Ravindranath, Director of Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research. The committee has been tasked with conducting a comprehensive study and submitting its findings within 10 days.

"The government is taking this matter very seriously. To identify the exact cause of these series of deaths and to find solutions, a committee of experts has been formed under the leadership of Dr Ravindranath, Director of Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, and they have been instructed to submit a study report within 10 days," he said, in a post on 'X'.

Siddaramaiah revealed that this committee had already been directed in February to examine the causes of sudden deaths among young people across Karnataka and explore any potential links with COVID-19 vaccination. The investigation will be carried out in collaboration with Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences, and a district-level fact-verification panel will also be set up to review individual cases reported in the media.