Heart Attack Surge in Hassan raises alarm in Karnataka Legislative Council

Bengaluru: A surge in heart attack cases, particularly in Karnataka's Hassan district, sparked a detailed discussion in the State Legislative Council, where legislators raised concerns over the rising trend and urged the state to take immediate preventive and healthcare measures.

Medical Dialogues had previously reported that amid a recent surge in heart-attack-related deaths in Hassan district, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed serious concern and announced the formation of an expert committee headed by the Director of Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research to identify the causes and provide findings.

Also Read: Karnataka CM orders probe as over 20 die of heart attacks in Hassan

Responding to the concerns, Medical Education Minister Dr. Sharanprakash Patil acknowledged that the growing number of cardiac incidents, especially among younger individuals, is worrisome. He clarified that a two-month study had shown the current pattern of heart attack cases in Hassan mirrors the 6% incidence rate seen in previous years. He also dismissed speculation linking the rise in cases to COVID-19.

Speaking to TNIE, he said, "Due to out-of-proportion reports and messages about the incidents, 25% of admissions increased at Jayadeva Hospital. The victims do not have habits of cigarette smoking, alcohol drinking. These habits are a predisposing factor. Apart from these factors, a sedentary lifestyle is also a reason for a heart attack. The Committee, headed by Dr Ravindranath from Jayadeva, had ruled out a COVID-19 link. We will take up programmes like healthy diet, good lifestyle, and others."

The Minister also revealed plans to expand cardiology infrastructure across Karnataka. A cardiology unit is set to open in Hubballi within eight months, while similar units in Raichur and Koppal have been announced in the state budget. In addition, a cardiology wing in Belagavi will be operational within two months.

The minister also added that over the next five years, every district will have a medical college and specialty hospital, aiming to decentralize advanced healthcare services.

Joining the discussion, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao outlined further strategies under the government’s Dr. Puneeth Rajkumar Hrudaya Jyothi Yojane, currently operational in 86 locations, which will be extended across all taluk and district hospitals in the state.

Rao explained that heart attacks are linked to multiple health factors, including diabetes, high blood pressure, stress, obesity, pollution, and lack of physical activity.

Also Read: Walking Faster and Farther Reduces CV Risk among People with High Blood Pressure: Study

According to TNIE, the expert report has said 14 categories, like Diabetes, BP, Obesity, Stress, and others, linked to heart attack. "We will identify these in the beginning and create awareness and give medicines," he said.

He also added that cath labs in Mangaluru, Hospete, and CV Raman Nagar will be established soon and will help save lives.

"Under the Hrudaya Jyothi scheme, Tele ECG will be set up all over the state. Experts will screen and give suggestions," he said, and added that in case of heart block, for immediate relief, Tenecteplase Injection worth Rs 25,000 is given at the government hospital for free. Later bypass can be done to save life," he said, and added that at Bustop and public places, AEDs will be kept and people will be trained to use them on patients during an emergency, reports TNIE.

Addressing the issue of ambulance shortages, particularly in accident cases, Minister Rao stated that each district is being equipped with Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulances, and 11 new ambulances have been allotted to the Mysuru region to bolster emergency response.