In Karnataka’s serene district of Hassan, a medical mystery is drawing national attention. In just 40 days, over 23 people — many under the age of 50 — reportedly died of sudden heart attacks. With Jayadeva Hospital in Mysuru witnessing unusually long queues for cardiac screening and the state government setting up a probe panel, the region has turned into a public health flashpoint.
Is this a coincidence, a statistical anomaly, or something more serious?
Let’s unpack the facts, the rumors, and the science behind the panic.
What’s Happening in Hassan?
Over the past two years, Hassan has reported more than 500 heart attack cases and 190 deaths — but it’s the recent surge in the last 40 days that’s alarmed citizens and medical experts alike. Jayadeva Hospital in nearby Mysuru is now seeing more than 1,000 people per day for cardiac tests, some arriving from Hassan with little to no symptoms but high anxiety.
The concern grew after Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah suggested a possible link to COVID-19 vaccines. This sparked debates, skepticism, and a wave of misinformation on social media.
Public Reactions and Panic
The moment the news broke, panic spread like wildfire. Hassan residents, many young and seemingly healthy, rushed to get ECGs and echo tests. Doctors say they’re overwhelmed not just by actual heart patients — but by the flood of people fearing the worst.
What the Doctors Are Saying
Top cardiologists across India, including Dr. Ramakanta Panda and public health specialists from AIIMS, have urged calm. Their key message: correlation is not causation.
Most health experts believe the spike could be due to a mix of:
- Post-COVID cardiac complications
- Delayed routine check-ups due to pandemic
- Unhealthy lifestyle changes during lockdowns
- Anxiety-fueled over-reporting
Skepticism Over Vaccine Blame
While the Karnataka CM raised a possible link to vaccines, the Union Health Ministry has strongly denied any such connection, calling it “baseless and scientifically unsupported.” Biocon chief Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw also publicly countered the vaccine theory, urging policymakers to be cautious with public statements that may spread fear.
Still, a six-member state health committee has been formed to analyze all 507 cases over the last two years. Their report is awaited.
The Role of Media and Social Trends
Social media has amplified this crisis. Hashtags like #HassanHeartCrisis and #VaccineSideEffects are trending, even though medical data remains inconclusive. Unfortunately, such viral narratives often create more confusion than clarity.
What Are the Stats Telling Us?
Let’s break down the available data:
| Time Period | Heart Attack Cases | Reported Deaths | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 2 Years | 507 | 190 | NDTV |
| Past 40 Days | 23+ | 23 | Firstpost |
| June 2025 (Single Month) | 20+ | 20 | LiveMint |
What Should the Public Do Now?
1. Don’t panic, but be alert – Watch for symptoms like chest pain, fatigue, or shortness of breath.
2. Get screened if you’re high-risk – Especially if you’re diabetic, hypertensive, or post-COVID.
3. Avoid misinformation – Trust government health advisories and licensed doctors.
4. Return to healthy habits – Reduce junk food, exercise daily, and avoid stress where possible.
Is This a Climate, Lifestyle, or Vaccine Issue?
As of now, there is no proven medical correlation between COVID-19 vaccines and sudden heart attacks in Hassan. Experts lean towards post-pandemic lifestyle factors and anxiety-related reporting. But data analysis is still ongoing.
Some are also questioning if climate stress — particularly the heatwaves and air pollution levels in Karnataka this year — could be aggravating cardiovascular risks.
Conclusion: We Need Facts, Not Fear
While the Hassan heart incident is serious, it’s important not to jump to conclusions. Medical science requires patterns and peer-reviewed evidence. Right now, anxiety, post-COVID impacts, and delayed screenings may be the larger culprits.
Let’s wait for the committee’s report — and until then, stay calm, eat clean, sleep well, and get medical help if you need it.
Sources & References — Hassan Heart Attack Surge
| Source | Key Information | Link |
|---|---|---|
| NDTV | 507 heart attacks in 2 years, 190 deaths; committee set up | Read |
| Firstpost | 23 deaths in 40 days; CM links COVID vaccine | Read |
| LiveMint | 20 deaths in one month; expert panel formed | Read |
| NDTV | Biocon chief refutes CM’s vaccine link claims | Read |
| Deccan Herald | Cardiologists await data; Ministry rejects vaccine link | Read |
| India Today | Dr. Panda flags rising heart issues among younger Indians | Read |
