Covid vaccines reduced risk of sudden death in young people, says new ICMR study

If you've recently come across news regarding the sudden rise in deaths among young individuals, particularly due to heart attacks, there's a clarification from The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR): it isn't the Covid-19 vaccinations but other factors that might be contributing to these fatalities.

What

The ICMR released a recent study on Tuesday (November 21) emphasizing that there is no apparent connection between Covid-19 vaccinations and the increased risk of sudden deaths among young adults in India.

This study highlights several alternative factors that could potentially contribute to these deaths:

• Binge drinking
• Intense physical activity within 48 hours before death
• Previous Covid-19 hospitalisation
• Family history of sudden deaths

It's important to note that the study points out an increased risk of sudden deaths among young adults who have previously contracted Covid-19.

The study 

• The ICMR conducted a comprehensive analysis focusing on sudden deaths among Indian adults aged 18-45.
• The research encompassed 729 cases and collected data from 2,916 individuals as part of the control group.
• Cases examined involved seemingly healthy individuals aged 18-45 without any underlying health conditions, who unexpectedly passed away due to unexplained causes between October 1, 2021, and March 31, 2023.

Health minister's previous statements

In October, Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya highlighted frequent occurrences of heart attacks during the Navratri dance in Gujarat, known as 'garba'.

Referring to these incidents, he cautioned, "If you've had a severe case of COVID-19, it's advisable to take it easy for 1 to 2 years. Avoid strenuous exercises or excessive work as it might lead to a sudden halt in your heart function."

Several studies have indicated a potential link between Covid-19 and an increased incidence of heart attacks. However, with this latest study, the ICMR suggests that Covid vaccines are not the cause of these deaths. Instead, receiving two doses of the vaccine might actually reduce the risk of fatalities among young individuals.

READ MORE: What is the link between COVID-19 and heart problems?