Sudden Increase Of Death Due To Heart Attack Especially After COVID Pandemic: What Government Said
New Delhi: The government has addressed concerns regarding the sudden rise in deaths among young individuals due to heart attacks, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Prataprao Jadhav, responding to questions in the Rajya Sabha, cited findings from a study conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
The study, titled “Factors associated with unexplained sudden deaths among adults aged 18-45 years in India”, was conducted between May and August 2023 at 47 tertiary care hospitals across 19 states and union territories. The research analysed 729 cases of sudden deaths among seemingly healthy individuals without known comorbidities who passed away unexpectedly within 24 hours of hospitalisation or were last seen in normal health within 24 hours of death. Additionally, 2,916 control subjects were included, matched by age, gender, and neighbourhood.
Key risk factors identified included past hospitalisation due to COVID-19, a family history of sudden death, binge drinking within 48 hours before death, the use of recreational drugs, and vigorous-intensity physical activity in the two days preceding death. Notably, the study found that receiving two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine significantly reduced the likelihood of unexplained sudden deaths. The findings indicated that COVID-19 vaccination did not contribute to the increased risk of sudden death among young adults.
To ensure vaccine safety, the minister said, the government has maintained a robust Adverse Event Following Immunization (AEFI) surveillance system. This system, overseen by the National AEFI Committee, consists of experts in paediatrics, cardiology, neurology, pathology, and public health, who evaluate any potential vaccine-related adverse events. The committee assesses causality based on scientific evidence and available case details.
Beyond vaccination and surveillance, the government has taken proactive steps to combat cardiovascular diseases through the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD), implemented under the National Health Mission (NHM). The programme includes strengthening infrastructure, early diagnosis, and referrals for treatment. Under NP-NCD, 770 district NCD clinics, 372 district day-care centres, 233 cardiac care units, and 6,410 community health centre NCD clinics have been set up nationwide.
Additionally, a population-based initiative has been launched to screen and manage common non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular ailments, as part of primary healthcare services under the NHM. Public awareness campaigns promoting healthy lifestyles and heart disease prevention have also been implemented through World Hypertension Day and World Heart Day observances, as well as extensive outreach via print, electronic, and social media.
The government has further promoted healthy eating through the Eat Right India movement led by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), while fitness is encouraged through the Fit India initiative under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. The Ministry of AYUSH has also played a role by organising yoga-related activities to promote overall well-being.
With these measures in place, the government aims to mitigate the risks associated with sudden cardiac events and promote cardiovascular health among young adults in India.
