No Direct Link Between COVID-19 Vaccine and Cardiac Arrest, Says Indian Health Ministry
Daily Updates News 
In response to recent concerns and statements linking sudden heart-related deaths to COVID-19 vaccinations, the Union Health Ministry has issued a clear statement confirming there is no direct link between the two. The Ministry emphasized that extensive investigations have been carried out by national health agencies, including the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), which concluded that COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective, and associated with extremely rare side effects.
The clarification follows remarks made by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who expressed concerns about the possibility of a connection between the vaccine and recent heart-related deaths in Hassan. Addressing these claims, the Health Ministry reassured citizens that the vaccines distributed in India underwent rigorous safety evaluations and continue to be monitored closely.
A joint effort by ICMR and NCDC also included two complementary studies aimed at understanding the possible causes behind sudden, unexplained deaths, particularly among young adults aged 18 to 45. The studies explored various factors such as genetics, lifestyle habits, existing medical conditions, and post-COVID complications.
One of the key studies, led by ICMR’s National Institute of Epidemiology, analyzed cases from May to August 2023 across 47 hospitals in 19 states and Union Territories. The investigation specifically looked into cases involving apparently healthy individuals who died suddenly between October 2021 and March 2023.
The Health Ministry reiterated that sudden cardiac deaths can result from a range of reasons, including hereditary factors, lifestyle choices, stress, and undetected medical conditions — and should not be prematurely attributed to vaccination without conclusive evidence.
Citizens have been advised to remain vigilant about symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness and seek immediate medical attention if such signs occur.
