In Karnataka’s historically rich district of Hassan, a disturbing pattern has emerged — 22 sudden cardiac deaths over just 40 days, most victims under 45. These weren’t elderly or chronically ill individuals. They were students, homemakers, teachers, and professionals — all seemingly healthy, until their hearts stopped without warning.
As speculation spreads — vaccines, food contamination, or stress — scientists point to a deeper, less visible culprit: genetics.
The myth of the fit young Indian
Contrary to popular belief, youth and fitness don’t guarantee a healthy heart. “We now see heart attacks in people as young as their 20s, with no prior clinical red flags,” says Dr Ramesh Menon, Director of Genomic Medicine at MedGenome. Despite good reports, dangerous genetic markers may still lurk beneath.
Research shows Indians and South Asians face heart disease up to a decade earlier than Western populations. What’s happening in Hassan, Dr Menon notes, is not an exception — it’s a stark glimpse of a broader crisis.
A genetic roulette we don’t see coming
Our genes play a major role in heart health. Rare mutations can directly trigger sudden cardiac death. More commonly, a buildup of smaller genetic risks — combined with stress, diet, poor sleep, and sedentary lifestyles — creates the perfect storm.
You might look fit and feel fine. But without genetic testing, a high-risk profile can go unnoticed — even by regular health check-ups.
A rural shift with urban risks
Heart disease is no longer an urban issue. “Fast food, screen addiction, and chronic stress have crept into rural life, too,” says Dr Menon. Hassan, like many other districts, faces modern health challenges without adequate medical infrastructure or awareness.
Stress, poor sleep, and undiagnosed conditions are becoming silent killers, especially in places where people don’t seek preventive care.
A new era of precision medicine
The solution, Dr Menon says, lies in embracing genetic screening. One test can reveal lifelong predispositions — from heart disease to diet compatibility. In developed countries, preventive statin use is based on genetic risk, not just cholesterol levels.
India must rethink healthcare — from reactive to predictive. The Hassan deaths are a painful but urgent reminder: it’s time to ask not just what we eat or how active we are — but what’s encoded in our genes.