No Link Between Covid Vaccine and Sudden Cardiac Deaths: Jayadeva Hospital Panel Submits Report to Karnataka Govt

News Flash

05 July

Statewide study of 251 heart patients under 45 years finds lifestyle factors, not Covid-19 or vaccines, are responsible for rising heart issues

Bengaluru: Amid public concern over a recent spike in sudden heart attacks and cardiac-related deaths among young people in Karnataka, the state government’s technical advisory committee — led by Dr. C.N. Ravindranath, Director of Jayadeva Heart Hospital — has ruled out any connection between Covid-19 vaccination or prior Covid infection and these cardiac incidents.

The committee submitted its pilot study report on July 2, based on medical analysis of 251 patients aged 45 and below, who were admitted to Jayadeva Hospital for heart problems between April and May this year.

“There is no evidence to suggest that Covid-19 vaccines or past infection have caused sudden heart attacks or cardiac deaths,” the report stated.
“In fact, international data suggests vaccines reduce severe cardiac complications.”

Study Findings:

Out of the 251 patients,

• 218 were men,

• 33 were women,

• 87 had diabetes,

• 102 had hypertension,

• 35 had high cholesterol,

• 40 had a prior history of heart disease,

• 111 were smokers,

• 19 had previously contracted Covid-19,

• 249 had received at least one dose of Covid vaccine, and

• 77 had no known comorbidities.

The committee examined patients across three age groups:

• 12 patients under 30

• 66 patients aged 31–40

• 172 patients aged 41–45

Geographical Data:

• 47% were from Bengaluru

• 8% from Tumakuru

• 5% each from Mandya, Kolar, and Ramanagara

• The remaining 22% from other parts of Karnataka

Lifestyle-Linked Risk Factors on the Rise:

The study, when compared to pre-pandemic 2019 data, found alarming increases in lifestyle-related health risks:

• Hypertension rose from 13.9% to 17.6%

• High cholesterol surged from 34.8% to 44.1%

• Smoking increased from 48.8% to 51%

Neurological Study Underway:

While cardiac causes have been thoroughly investigated, neurological issues—often cited in sudden collapses—are still under review. The final conclusions on neurological health will be submitted after a parallel study by NIMHANS experts is completed.

The technical committee has emphasised that the public must focus on lifestyle changes rather than vaccine-related fears. The rise in cardiac cases, especially among the young, is largely attributed to poor dietary habits, lack of exercise, stress, and smoking.