Hassan’s heart attack surge: Is the absence of STEMI program to blame?

A disturbing rise in heart attack cases has gripped Hassan district, with reports indicating 21 deaths in just 40 days, including young individuals like 22-year-old Supriya and 37-year-old auto driver Govind. This alarming trend, with 507 fatalities over two years, has sparked concern among residents and prompted the Karnataka government to form a special committee to investigate the causes.

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Experts attribute the surge to lifestyle factors like poor diet, stress, and lack of exercise, while some social media posts speculate about COVID-19 vaccine side effects, a claim refuted by an ICMR study. Amid this crisis, attention has turned to the absence of the STEMI (ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction) program in Hassan’s taluk hospitals as a potential factor exacerbating the situation.

What is STEMI program?

The STEMI program, implemented in 86 taluk hospitals across Karnataka, is a collaborative effort between the Health and Family Welfare Department and Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences. It aims to reduce heart attack mortality by providing rapid, specialized care. When a patient arrives with chest pain, an ECG is conducted, and the data is sent to Jayadeva’s hub for analysis. Expert cardiologists guide local doctors on immediate treatment, often followed by transferring patients to advanced cardiac facilities. This hub-and-spoke model ensures timely intervention, critical in the “golden hour” for heart attack survival. However, Hassan’s taluk hospitals, including those in Belur, Sakleshpur, and Channarayapatna, lack this system, raising questions about whether its absence contributes to the high mortality rates.

Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has acknowledged the crisis, promising a thorough investigation and emphasizing the need for effective STEMI implementation in Hassan. Local health officials, including District Health Officer Dr. Anil Kumar, have urged expanding the program to all taluk centers.

Experts believe that proactive deployment of STEMI, coupled with public awareness campaigns on heart health, could significantly reduce fatality rates. Residents are increasingly seeking check-ups at Jayadeva Hospital in Mysuru, reflecting heightened anxiety. The government’s swift action in implementing STEMI could be pivotal in saving lives in Hassan.