COVID-19

Why in the News ?

• A study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) dismisses claims associating COVID-19 vaccines with an increased risk of sudden deaths.
• Analyzing data from 39 network hospitals, the study reveals that vaccination reduces the risk of sudden deaths, particularly in apparently healthy individuals discharged within 24 hours.

Source:Times Of India

Sudden Death Causes

• Sudden deaths often result from heart conditions like irregular heartbeat, obstructed blood flow, and heart muscle dysfunction.
• The study, commissioned earlier this year, addresses concerns raised by reports linking deaths to vaccination.

Exoneration of Vaccines

• Despite apprehensions, the study, covering 729 deaths in 18 to 45-year-olds, empirically shows no linkage between vaccination and sudden deaths.
• Manoj Murhekar, the corresponding author, emphasizes the importance of dispelling misinformation.

Increased Risk Factors

• Severe COVID-19 requiring hospitalization is identified as a factor increasing the risk of sudden deaths.
• Those experiencing sudden deaths were four times more likely to have had severe COVID-19, suggesting vaccination as a protective measure.

Overlooked Risk Factors

• The study identifies family history of sudden death, smoking, binge drinking, and intense exercise as additional risk factors.
• Family history triples the likelihood of unexplained sudden death, while smoking and binge drinking significantly contribute to risks.

 Impact of COVID-19 on Heart Health

• While the study acknowledges limited understanding of COVID-19’s pathways leading to sudden deaths, it highlights global studies linking the infection to increased heart disease and stroke.
• Rakesh Yadav notes rare instances of COVID-19 damaging heart muscles, causing cardiomyopathy.

Total ICMR Studies

• The ICMR study is one of three conducted, reflecting the organization’s commitment to comprehensively understanding the implications of COVID-19 on health.
• Another study in August across 31 hospitals revealed a 5% mortality rate among people hospitalized with COVID-19 the following year.

The ICMR study provides valuable insights into the safety of COVID-19 vaccines, assuaging fears of an association with sudden deaths