Major AIIMS Study Finds 57% of Victims Were Under 45, Exposing a Silent Heart Health Crisis
New Delhi: Sudden cardiac death, long viewed as a condition affecting older adults, is increasingly striking much younger people, according to a large study conducted by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).
The findings suggest a troubling shift in India’s heart health landscape, with young adults now forming the majority of confirmed cases.
The research shows that many victims were previously considered healthy, with no diagnosed heart disease.
Several collapsed suddenly at home or while travelling, often without any warning signs. In many instances, death occurred before medical help could reach them.
Published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research, the study is part of an Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) project aimed at understanding unexplained sudden deaths.
Researchers reviewed post-mortem data collected between May 2023 and April 2024, focusing on cases examined at AIIMS New Delhi.
Out of 2,214 post-mortem examinations, investigators identified 180 deaths that met the criteria for sudden cardiac death, accounting for 8.1% of all cases.
What stood out was the age distribution: 103 victims-over 57%-were between 18 and 45 years old.
The average age was just 33.6 years, and men were affected far more often than women.
The findings point to an uncomfortable reality: sudden cardiac death is no longer a distant risk for the young-it is already here.
What the Numbers Tell Us
The AIIMS analysis paints a clear picture of how sudden cardiac death is changing in India.
Traditionally associated with older age, the condition is now emerging earlier, often without prior diagnosis.
An average age in the early thirties indicates that serious heart disease may be developing silently, well before routine screening usually begins.
The dominance of male cases also reflects broader trends linked to work stress, lifestyle habits, and delayed health checks.
Backed by ICMR, the study underscores a critical gap in early detection.
In many young adults, heart disease progresses quietly, remaining unnoticed until it results in a fatal event.
Researchers also observed that most deaths occurred at home or during travel, frequently at night or in the early morning-times when emergency response is often delayed.
Heart Disease Identified as the Leading Cause
Detailed examinations revealed that heart disease was the most common underlying factor in young sudden death cases. According to Dr. Sudhir Gupta, Head of Forensic Medicine at AIIMS, 42.6% of young victims showed clear evidence of cardiac disease.
In many cases, post-mortem findings revealed severe coronary artery blockages that had never been diagnosed while the individuals were alive.
These results highlight the growing problem of silent coronary artery disease, which can remain symptom-free until it triggers sudden collapse.
Despite extensive investigation-including imaging, full autopsy procedures, and microscopic analysis-several cases remained unexplained.
These were classified as negative autopsies, suggesting the possible involvement of inherited heart rhythm disorders that routine tests may fail to detect.
Family accounts indicated that sudden loss of consciousness was the most common first symptom.
Chest discomfort and breathing difficulty were reported in some cases, but most victims had no known history of diabetes, hypertension, or other chronic illnesses.
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Lifestyle Risks Noted, No Evidence Linking COVID
Risk Factors Observed
Lifestyle patterns played a significant role. A large proportion of young victims were reported to smoke or consume alcohol, habits known to increase cardiovascular risk.
The prevalence of these behaviors among young victims was similar to that seen in older age groups.
Crucially, the study found no evidence linking cardiac death to COVID-19 infection or vaccination.
Vaccination rates were high across all age groups, and researchers found no pattern suggesting a causal relationship.
Among individuals aged 46 to 65, coronary artery disease accounted for more than 70% of sudden cardiac death cases, reinforcing the conclusion that long-term heart disease-not vaccination or infection-was the dominant factor.
ICMR data also points to a notable rise in sudden cardiac death among younger adults, highlighting the urgent need for prevention and early detection.
Experts Urge Early Screening and Genetic Evaluation
Dr. K.K. Talwar’s Perspective
Commenting on the findings, Dr. K.K. Talwar, Chairman of PSRI Heart Institute, described the trend as alarming.
He noted that the study highlights a growing burden of premature coronary artery disease in India.
Dr. Talwar explained that unexplained sudden deaths in young individuals are often linked to inherited cardiac conditions, which standard medical tests and even routine autopsies may not identify.
He stressed the importance of genetic testing and family-wide screening, particularly when sudden cardiac death occurs without a clear cause.
He also reiterated that there is no scientific evidence connecting COVID-19 vaccination with sudden cardiac death.
Steps That Can Reduce Risk
Doctors recommend that young adults take proactive measures, including regular heart check-ups and basic cardiac profiling. Maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, managing stress, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol use are essential preventive steps.
Those with a family history of heart disease should consider genetic counseling and periodic screening.
In response to the AIIMS findings, health authorities are now exploring broader population-level studies to better understand and reduce the risk of cardiac death.
Conclusion
The AIIMS–ICMR study makes one message clear: sudden cardiac death is no longer confined to older age groups.
Silent heart disease, risky lifestyles, and undetected genetic conditions are placing young adults at serious risk.
Early screening, awareness, and preventive care remain the strongest defenses against this growing threat.
Curiosity
Q. Why is cardiac death increasing among young adults?
Q. Is cardiac death linked to COVID-19 vaccination?
Q. What does a negative autopsy mean in these cases?
Q. How can young people reduce their risk?
Disclaimer
This article has been prepared based on verified medical reports, discussions with doctors, subject experts, and academic institutions. Every effort has been made by caasindia.in professional journalists to check, verify, and cross-reference the facts mentioned here.
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This article should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Readers are strongly advised to consult their own doctor or healthcare provider for any questions related to personal health conditions.
