New Delhi, India — In response to recent claims linking COVID-19 vaccines to an increase in heart attack-related deaths, medical professionals are emphasizing the importance of scientific evidence to address growing concerns. These comments come after Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah reported over twenty heart attack fatalities in Hassan district within the past month
Dr. Mohit Gupta, a cardiologist at GB Pant Hospital, stated that a thorough study involving 1,600 heart attack patients has indicated a protective benefit of the COVID-19 vaccines. He explained that patients who received the vaccine showed not only lower rates of heart attacks but also significantly reduced mortality rates, both in the short term and over extended follow-up periods.
Dr. Gupta expressed skepticism regarding the claims linking vaccine administration to increased cardiac incidents. He highlighted that if the vaccines were indeed harmful, evidence would likely show a clustering of such deaths across various regions, which has not been observed. Instead, he asserted that many factors can contribute to sudden cardiac deaths, emphasizing that scientific inquiry dismisses any direct correlation with vaccination
Support for Dr. Gupta’s assertions comes from broader research, including validation from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) that underscores the safety of the vaccines. The findings align with similar studies conducted globally, including a substantial Korean study involving 200,000 participants, which produced comparable results regarding vaccine safety and efficacy.
In light of the rising concerns, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced the formation of an expert committee led by Dr. Ravindranath of the Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences. This committee is tasked with investigating the recent deaths and is expected to deliver a report within ten days. The Chief Minister has previously indicated that similar investigations into sudden deaths, particularly among younger individuals in the state, have been ongoing since February.
Additionally, Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, executive chairperson of Biocon Limited, voiced her criticism of the allegations surrounding the vaccine, labeling them as unfounded. She highlighted the meticulous processes that led to the approval of the vaccines, countering claims of hasty decision-making.
On July 2, the Union Health Ministry reiterated that extensive studies by both ICMR and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) have shown no association between COVID-19 vaccinations and instances of sudden deaths in India.
In conclusion, as the conversation around vaccine safety continues, medical experts are urging clarity and reliance on empirical data to dispel myths and address public concerns effectively.
