Sudden deaths in Hassan: Drivers a high-risk group, says health minister Dinesh Gundu Rao; experts advise cardiac screening, CPR training | Bengaluru News

BENGALURU: Investigations into the recent spurt in sudden deaths among young adults in Hassan and other parts of the state have raised serious concerns, particularly for those in the mobility sector, including auto and cab drivers.Of the 24 deaths reported in Hassan district during May-June this year, health minister Dinesh Gundu Rao pointed out that six were auto and cab drivers-a group being viewed as high-risk. “We will interact with drivers’ associations to screen them for cardiac issues,” he said.What puts them at high risk will be studied further, but prima facie, he added, a gamut of factors could be causing it-lifestyle, eating outside food, noise and air pollution, sedentary life, and irregular sleeping patterns. 14 of 24 deaths under 45 yrs of age, says min While deaths have not spiked in Hassan, contrary to the hysteria around these incidents, Rao acknowledged concern over youngsters dying. “Fourteen of the 24 deaths were under 45 years,” he said.An expert committee report revealed that many of these individuals had known risk factors like smoking, drinking, obesity, hypertension or a family history of heart disease. However, in several cases, there was no prior diagnosis or indication of existing heart disease. The sudden deaths, often in sleep or immediately following mild symptoms, underscores the demand for deeper investigation. Rao said screening of 15-year-olds would help identify those at risk and with congenital conditions. There’s no general spurt, Rao said, adding, “In 2024, 19 died of myocardial infarction during the same time (May-June), and 2025 saw 20.”The expert committee, headed by Dr KS Ravindranath, director of Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, recommended that all out-of-hospital sudden cardiac deaths undergo autopsy; CPR training be provided and cardiac screening be conducted for drivers.