Sudden deaths among young adults in Karnataka, particularly in Hassan district, have triggered serious concern among health officials. A total of 24 sudden deaths were reported in Hassan between May and June 2025. Of these, 14 were under the age of 45, and six were auto or cab drivers, raising red flags about the health risks in the mobility sector.

Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said the government is taking the issue seriously and plans to conduct cardiac screening for drivers through drivers’ associations. While there is no sharp increase in the overall number of deaths, the pattern has alarmed authorities due to the relatively young age of the victims and the sudden nature of their deaths.

Why are auto and cab drivers at higher risk?

According to the minister, multiple factors could be at play. These include:

• Irregular sleep schedules
• Eating street or outside food regularly
• Long hours of sitting (sedentary lifestyle)
• Exposure to air and noise pollution

These risks are compounded by stress, lack of exercise, and often limited access to routine health checkups. Auto and cab drivers, who spend most of their day on the road, may also ignore early warning signs due to work pressure or unawareness.

What did the expert committee find?

An expert committee led by Dr KS Ravindranath, Director of Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, studied the reported cases. Their findings showed that many of the deceased had underlying risk factors such as:

• Smoking and alcohol use
• Obesity or high blood pressure
• Family history of heart disease

However, in several cases, there was no prior diagnosis or known health condition, making the deaths even more sudden and shocking. Some individuals died in their sleep, while others collapsed shortly after showing mild symptoms like chest discomfort or breathlessness.

What are the government’s next steps?

Health Minister Rao stated that screening of individuals as young as 15 could help identify congenital heart conditions early. He also emphasised the need for:
Autopsies in all out-of-hospital cardiac deaths
CPR training for the public
Regular heart check-ups for people in high-risk jobs, especially drivers

Although numbers remain fairly stable compared to previous years, 19 sudden cardiac deaths in 2024 and 20 in 2025 (same period), the youth of the victims and the nature of their professions have prompted deeper concern.

Sudden heart-related deaths in seemingly healthy individuals highlight the urgent need for awareness, lifestyle changes, and regular health checkups, especially in professions with high stress and irregular routines. Karnataka’s health department is now working on proactive steps to screen and protect those most at risk.

Inputs from TOI