Cardiac surgeon Dr. Ramakanta Panda has raised alarms over the increasing number of heart-related deaths among young Indians, following a series of sudden heart attacks in Hassan, Karnataka. On June 30, four men, aged between 50 and 63, tragically died of cardiac events, adding to the alarming number of heart-related deaths in the district, with 22 deaths reported over the past 40 days. The youngest victim was just 19 years old, which has sent shockwaves through the community and prompted health experts to issue warnings.
Dr. Panda, Chairman of the Asian Heart Institute, explains that this worrying trend is a direct result of widespread lifestyle deterioration, which has led to a sharp rise in heart attacks among young and middle-aged adults. He points to a combination of unhealthy habits—such as sedentary lifestyles, poor diet, chronic stress, tobacco use, and lack of sleep as the culprits behind the surge in cardiovascular issues.
Dr. Panda notes that while some cases may involve congenital defects like cardiomyopathy, most of the patients who suffer sudden cardiac arrests seem outwardly healthy. "Even a structurally normal heart can stop beating under severe stress, both physical and mental," he says, highlighting that the stress from overexertion, binge-watching, or long working hours can be dangerous for the heart.
The growing concern about heart health is also reflected in the rising number of outpatient visits to hospitals, including a reported 8% increase at Bengaluru's Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences. Many people are seeking precautionary check-ups after hearing about the sudden deaths in Hassan.
Dr. Panda stresses the need for lifestyle changes, urging the public to focus on balanced meals, regular physical activity, sufficient sleep, and managing emotional stress. He also warns against the unregulated use of wellness supplements and weight-loss drugs, which can pose serious risks without medical supervision.
The recent deaths in Hassan, along with the 507 reported heart attack cases in the past two years, have highlighted the need for a cultural shift in how India approaches heart health. With preventive measures, Dr. Panda believes that many of these tragic deaths could have been avoided. The Karnataka Health Department has formed a committee to investigate the cause of these deaths, as concerns grow over the health crisis in the region.
