The state government and health department are concerned about the 18 deaths from heart attacks in Hassan district of Karnataka within the past month. The alarming aspect of these deaths is that most of the deceased were under 45 years old, and many were young individuals between 18 and 40. This sudden increase in mortality has not only alerted the administration but also prompted the state government to order an investigation.
Health Minister of the state, Dinesh Gundu Rao, has taken this very seriously, stating that this is not a normal situation and a thorough investigation of these deaths is necessary. He has instructed the health department to form a team of experts to analyze the entire sequence of events and prepare a detailed report on the increasing cases of heart attacks.
Expert Study to Provide Direction
Health Minister Rao stated in a post on the social media platform X on Monday that the health department has taken the 18 cases of heart attacks within a month in Hassan district seriously. "I have already directed an expert team, led by the director of the 'Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research,' to investigate. This team will present a study report within 10 days."
Rao added that the state government is already working to prevent heart diseases under the 'Puneeth Rajkumar Hridaya Jyoti' scheme, but considering the current situation, in-depth research is needed. He acknowledged that changing lifestyles, diet, and stress could be causes of heart attacks, but the sudden deaths of young people are a matter of concern.
What is a Heart Attack and Why Does it Happen?
A heart attack, medically termed myocardial infarction, occurs when there is a blockage in the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart. This blockage is usually caused by the buildup of cholesterol in the arteries or a blood clot. When the heart muscles do not receive the necessary oxygen, that part begins to get damaged, and if not treated in time, it can be life-threatening.
Experts say that along with genetic factors, lifestyle-related factors also play a significant role in heart diseases. Especially in young people, irregular eating habits, smoking, lack of sleep, stress, and lack of exercise further increase this risk.
Do Not Ignore These Symptoms
Recognizing the early symptoms of a heart attack and getting timely treatment can save lives. Chest pressure or tightness, pain in the back, jaw, or arm, shortness of breath, excessive sweating, dizziness, anxiety, and nausea can be early signs of a heart attack. Doctors say that if anyone feels such symptoms, they should treat it as a medical emergency and go to the hospital without delay.
Government's Strictness and Steps Towards a Solution
The government's focus on the increasing deaths from heart attacks in Hassan district is now on preventive measures. Schemes like 'Puneeth Rajkumar Hridaya Jyoti' are being run for early detection and treatment of heart diseases. Now, the government wants to go to the root of such cases to not only find out the causes but also prevent such incidents in the future.
The Health Minister said that the government will decide the further strategy after receiving the report. This entire sequence of events has made it clear that heart-related diseases are no longer limited to the elderly but are becoming a serious threat for young people as well. In such a situation, awareness, regular check-ups, and a healthy lifestyle are the only solutions.
