No Link Between COVID-19 Vaccines and Sudden Cardiac Deaths, Confirms Karnataka Expert Panel



Expert Panel Debunks Vaccine Myth in Karnataka

A government-appointed expert committee in Karnataka has concluded that there is no scientific evidence linking COVID-19 infections or vaccinations to the recent spike in sudden cardiac deaths in the state. The expert panel, set up to investigate this rising concern, submitted a comprehensive report dismissing claims that COVID-19 vaccines have contributed to these events.


Report Findings: Multicausal and Lifestyle Driven

The report stated that the increase in sudden cardiac deaths is multifactorial—arising from a complex interplay of behavioural, genetic, and environmental factors rather than a single identifiable cause. While a temporary rise in cardiovascular events was observed immediately after COVID-19 due to pro-inflammatory states, the long-term impact—especially three years after the pandemic—is negligible and unsupported by scientific data.


Emphasis on Public Health Awareness

The panel highlighted a pressing public health challenge: the growing number of sudden cardiac events among young adults. Conventional risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and smoking were prevalent in most cases. However, a significant number of patients did not display these risk markers, pointing to under-recognised or novel causes.


Jayadeva Hospital Study Supports Findings

An observational study conducted at Jayadeva Hospital, one of India’s premier cardiac centres, found no correlation between premature cardiovascular diseases and either COVID-19 infection or COVID vaccination. This clinical evidence backed the expert panel's conclusion, affirming that vaccines did not contribute to sudden cardiac deaths.


Global Evidence Aligns with Indian Data

The panel also cited international studies, reiterating that no causal link has been proven between COVID-19 vaccines and sudden heart-related deaths. In fact, several peer-reviewed studies suggest that COVID-19 vaccines offer long-term protection against severe cardiac outcomes by preventing systemic inflammation and reducing infection severity.


Top Experts Echo the Same: Vaccines Are Safe

Dr. Balram Bhargava, former Director General of ICMR, strongly refuted the alleged link between vaccines and sudden deaths. He noted that many such cases involve clear lifestyle-related risk factors, including:

  • Smoking and binge drinking

  • High cholesterol and diabetes

  • Chewing tobacco

  • Use of unregulated gym supplements like steroids or herbal hormones

He urged the youth to "know your numbers"—such as weight, blood pressure, sugar, and cholesterol levels—and take corrective action early.


Gym Culture and Steroid Use: A Hidden Threat

The report and medical experts warn against the growing trend of excessive gym workouts combined with non-prescribed steroid or supplement use, especially in men aged 18-30. These substances can significantly increase the risk of artery blockage, clot formation, and sudden cardiac events. Health officials have called for greater regulation and education in fitness communities.


NITI Aayog and ICMR Reiterate Vaccine Safety

Dr. V.K. Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog, referred to a 2023 ICMR study conducted across 47 hospitals involving over 700 young individuals. The study revealed that the COVID vaccine actually reduced the risk of sudden cardiac death. According to the report, those who died were more likely to have:

  • Family history of heart disease

  • Severe past COVID-19 infections

  • Excess alcohol intake or smoking history

The findings confirm that the real culprits behind such deaths are lifestyle and genetic predispositions rather than vaccination.


AIIMS, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital Add to Consensus

Dr. Randeep Guleria, former Director of AIIMS Delhi, and Dr. Saumitra Rawat from Sir Ganga Ram Hospital reiterated that none of the major Indian studies have found a link between the COVID-19 vaccine and sudden cardiac deaths in young adults.

Dr. Rawat emphasized that ICMR’s data should guide the public discourse, not anecdotal fears. He warned against sensationalism and reminded the youth that “COVID vaccines are safe and protective; the real focus must be on lifestyle management.”


Key Takeaways for Public Health Policy

  • COVID-19 vaccines are not responsible for sudden cardiac deaths.

  • Focus must shift to modifiable lifestyle risk factors: smoking, poor diet, unregulated gym supplements.

  • Public health education on cardiovascular wellness in youth is now critical.

  • Misleading narratives must be countered with scientific evidence and clarity.


Final Word: Time to Shift the Focus

As misinformation continues to spread online, it's imperative that public policy, journalism, and digital discourse align with the facts. The Karnataka expert panel, backed by ICMR, AIIMS, and top doctors, offers conclusive evidence:

👉 COVID-19 vaccines are not the cause of sudden cardiac deaths.
✅ The challenge lies in preventive healthcare, early screening, and addressing unhealthy lifestyle trends among the youth.

Let’s focus on what really matters—and keep the science front and center.


Author: Shreyansh Singh
Bringing clarity to India’s most debated issues in law, governance, and health policy.

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