Parliament Question: Sudden Deaths among Youths

GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRYOFHEALTH ANDFAMILYWELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTHAND FAMILYWELFARE LOK SABHA UNSTARREDQUESTION NO. 2093 TOBE ANSWERED ON12TH DECEMBER, 2025 SUDDEN DEATHS AMONG YOUTHS

2093. ADVDEAN KURIAKOSE:

Will the Ministerof HEALTHANDFAMILYWELFAREbe pleasedtostate:

(a) the number of sudden death cases reported due to collapse or cardiac arrest among youth, year- wise andState-wise (2021–till now);

(b) the primary factors identified as contributing to such incidents, including lifestyle risks, genetic predispositions, environmental triggers and potential long-term effects of COVID-19 infections or vaccinations;

(c) whether the Government has initiated any study on sudden deaths among young adults to investigate COVID-19 linkagesandif so, the key findingsthereofandif not,the reasons therefor; and

(d) whether the Government hastaken or proposed anypreventive measures toaddress such incidentsandif so, the details thereof? ANSWER THE MINISTER OFSTATE IN THE MINISTRYOFHEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE (SHRIPRATAPRAO JADHAV)

(a) to (c): The data regarding cases of heart attack is not maintained centrally. Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has informed that in order to understand the reasons for heart attack, ICMR-National Institute of Epidemiology (ICMR-NIE) conducted a multicentric matched case- control study in 25hospitals across India. Cases were patientsaged 18-45 years admittedin the study hospitals with newly diagnosed Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) between October 2021 and January 2023.Controls were patientsaged18-45 years admittedinthe same hospital for othercauses, matched for time of hospitalization.Information was collected regarding the various risk factors. The study observed that hospitalization with AMI was associated with presence of any known comorbidity, family history of thrombotic events and ever been smoker. COVID-19 vaccination did not increase the risk of unexplained sudden deathamongyoungadultsinIndia

(d): National HealthMission (NHM) providestechnical andfinancial support tothe States andUnion Territories under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-CommunicableDiseases (NP-NCD). Cardiovascular disease is an integral part of NP-NCD. Under the programme, 770 District NCD Clinics, 6410 Community Health Center NCD Clinics and 233 Cardiac Care Units have been set up. Further, a population-based initiative for prevention, control and screening for common NCDs including cardiovascular diseases has been rolled out in the country under National Health Mission (NHM) as a part of Comprehensive Primary Health Care. Under the initiative, persons more than30yearsof age are targeted for theirscreening.

To manage acute cardiac events a hub-and-spoke model has beenimplemented. District hospitals and Community Health Centers (spokes) are equipped to provide initial thrombolysis and stabilization, while tertiary hospitals and medical colleges (hubs) offer advanced interventions. Ambulance services, telemedicine platforms andstreamlined referral pathways further enhanceaccess, especially inrural areas.

Government of India also provides support for awareness generation activities for Non- Communicable Diseases (NCDs) including cardiovascular diseases to be undertaken by the States and Union Territories. The preventive aspect is strengthened under Comprehensive Primary Health Care through Ayushman Arogya Mandir, by promotion of wellness activities and targeted communication at the community level. Furthermore, the EatRight India movement,led bythe Food Safety and Standards Authority of India,promotes reduced salt, sugar, and trans-fat consumption. Fit India movement is implemented by Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, and various Yoga related activitiesare carried out byMinistry of AYUSH.

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