Davangere district has seen a concerning surge in heart-related deaths, with 75 fatalities recorded over the past three months alone. District Surveillance Officer Dr. G.T. Raghavan confirmed that between 16–18 people died of sudden heart attacks, while 57 others succumbed to other cardiac ailments between April and June 2025.
Despite the spike, Dr. Raghavan reassured the public that Davangere’s numbers remain lower compared to other districts. According to hospital data, 22 cardiac deaths were reported in April, 29 in May, and 24 in June — and figures from private hospitals are still awaited.
Taluk-wise statistics reveal a continued trend: Jagalur recorded 3 deaths last year and 1 this year; Harihar saw 5 last year and 3 in 2025; and Honnali reported 7 deaths last year and 5 so far this year. Public anxiety has led to a surge in ECGs and heart screenings across the district.
Dr. Raghavan emphasized that lifestyle factors and hereditary risks are the two main causes of heart attacks. He urged people over 30 to undergo biannual checkups and adopt stress management techniques such as yoga. He also warned that conditions like hypertension and diabetes, if undiagnosed or untreated, significantly increase the risk of cardiac events.
To tackle the rising risk, the government has launched a health survey targeting adults above 30. ASHA workers are collecting household data to help identify high-risk individuals early.
Timely intervention during the ‘golden hour’ after a heart attack can save lives, he stressed.