Are youngsters dying of sudden cardiac arrests due to COVID vaccine impact? Fact check

Cardiovascular diseases are the global number one killer, accounting for nearly 20 lakh deaths every year. Close to 85 per cent of heart-related premature deaths can be prevented through a combination of lifestyle changes, periodic medical checks and proper treatment at the right time. Precious lives could also be saved by recognising the warning signs and prioritising regular health check-ups. 

The instances of healthy-looking youngsters collapsing and dying while working out in the gym following heart attacks have sent shockwaves across society. The news reports of many people, including film personalities, losing their lives to heart failures, and the videos and photos of youngsters collapsing and dying while exercising, dancing or engaging in various kinds of activities are pretty unsettling. There are many misleading and false deliberations on social media linking sudden deaths among young people to COVID and COVID-19 vaccinations. Let’s take a scientific lowdown on why sudden deaths are happening among youths. 

Is it common to lose life while working out? 
• Only 5 to 10 per cent of the total sudden cardiac deaths could be linked to while exercising or immediately after working out.
• But close to 70 to 90 per cent of the sudden cardiac deaths occurring among young athletes are triggered by workouts.

What are the reasons for sudden cardiac deaths among youth? 
In many instances, diseases that were not diagnosed earlier may have caused sudden cardiac deaths among young people while exercising. 
• Genetic heart muscle diseases like Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) and ARVC.
• Disorder of the heart’s electrical system, such as Long QT, Brugada and WPW.
• Myocarditis, which is a viral infection, results in inflammation of the heart muscles and scarring. 
• Congenital coronary anomalies that affect the heart’s blood supply. 

• Drug addiction and use of performance-enhancing medicines. Use of performance-enhancing drugs, anabolic steroids and narcotics can result in arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat). 
• Blockage of the coronary arteries is the leading cause of sudden cardiac death among people above 35 years of age. As per the autopsy reports, coronary artery block is the leading cause of 50 per cent of cardiac sudden deaths among people above 40 years. The numbers are in the range of 70 to 80 per cent among people above the age of 50. 

Are sudden cardiac deaths among young people linked to COVID and COVID vaccinations?  
• There is no scientific evidence to prove a link between sudden cardiac deaths and COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccinations. Studies have pointed out that there is no shift in the number of sudden cardiac deaths among American athletes before and after the epidemic. Studies in the US, Europe and India have shown that the COVID-19 vaccines haven’t contributed to the sudden cardiac deaths in these regions. 

• Though instances of myocarditis were reported in persons who had taken the COVID-19 vaccinations, the medical condition was found to be temporary and self-healing. Meanwhile, the chances of a person having myocarditis, arrhythmias and heart failure after a bout of COVID infection were much higher. The COVID-19 vaccination gives protection against these medical conditions.
 • It’s dangerous to link sudden cardiac deaths among young athletes to COVID vaccination. This can result in failing to identify the root cause of such deaths and taking corrective measures. 

How to ensure heart safety while working out?  
• Do proper health screening before any sporting activity. 
• Undergo a medical check-up before starting the workout programme. 
• ECG and Echocardiography can detect severe medical conditions of the heart. 
• Comprehensive medical tests should be done, especially if one’s family has a history of premature deaths. 

• Unusual rigorous exercises can be avoided. 
• The intensity of the exercises should be increased gradually. While exercising, avoid a competitive spirit. 
• Should be aware of the warning signals that your body gives. 
• Take rest if you experience breathlessness, chest pain, general weakness or dizziness. Don’t ignore the warning signals of the body. 

What can gym, sports facilities do?
• Gyms and sports complexes should be well prepared to face any medical emergency. 
• CPR (Cardiopulmonary resuscitation) training should be given to the members and the general public, too, as much as possible. The initial time after a cardiac arrest is significant, as each passing minute reduces the chances of survival by 7 to 10 per cent. Studies have proven that if CPR is administered to a person who has suffered a cardiac arrest, the chances of recovery are increased multifold. 
• Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) should be made compulsory at all sports events. Giving an electric shock (rapid defibrillation) within minutes of heart failure can save a life. 

Changes required in lifestyle 
• Don’t misuse anabolic steroids and other drugs. 
• Avoid smoking and the use of stimulant drugs. 
• Water and electrolyte levels in the body should be balanced. 
• Do warm-ups before exercise and cool-down after sweating it out in the gym. 

For a healthy heart 
• Regular exercise (need at least 150 minutes of mild exercise every week).
• Follow a balanced diet that includes fruits and vegetables. Reduce intake of processed food. 
• Avoid smoking, control drinking habits, reduce mental stress and ensure ample sleep. 
• Check blood pressure, sugar and cholesterol levels regularly.