New Delhi: Sudden deaths are no longer limited to old age. A new study conducted by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has revealed that more than half of the people who died suddenly in the past year were under the age of 45. Surprisingly, most of them appeared completely healthy before their death.
The study, published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research, is part of a major project by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). It was carried out between May 2023 and April 2024 by the Departments of Pathology and Forensic Medicine at AIIMS, New Delhi.
180 Sudden Deaths Identified in 2,214 Postmortems
Out of 2,214 postmortem examinations conducted during the study period, 180 cases (8.1%) met the criteria for sudden death. Among these, 103 individuals (57.2%) were young adults aged between 18 and 45 years. The average age of these young victims was 33.6 years, with a significantly higher number of males.
Heart Disease Emerges as Leading Cause
Heart-related conditions were found to be the leading cause of sudden death among young individuals. According to Dr. Sudhir Gupta from AIIMS’ Forensic Medicine Department, 42.6% of sudden deaths in young people were linked to cardiac diseases. Many of these individuals had severe coronary artery blockages that had never been diagnosed during their lifetime, indicating silent progression of heart disease.
Mystery Behind Unexplained Deaths
Despite detailed imaging, complete autopsies, and microscopic examinations, several deaths remained unexplained. These “negative autopsy” cases suggest the presence of inherited or electrical heart disorders that cannot be detected through routine postmortem procedures.
Deaths Occurred Mostly at Home or During Travel
Most sudden deaths occurred at home or while traveling, often during the night or early morning hours. Family members reported sudden collapse as the most common symptom, followed by chest pain and breathing difficulties. Notably, very few victims had known conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
Lifestyle Risks Play a Major Role
Lifestyle-related risk factors were common among the young victims. More than half of them were smokers or consumed alcohol, a rate similar to that seen in older adults. However, the study found no significant link between sudden deaths and COVID-19 infection or vaccination. Vaccination rates were high across all age groups.
Expert Opinion and Prevention
Commenting on the findings, Dr. K. K. Talwar, Chairman of PSRI Heart Institute, described the study as alarming. He highlighted a worrying rise in premature coronary artery disease and said many unexplained deaths could be due to inherited electrical heart disorders. He stressed the need for genetic testing, family screening, early preventive check-ups, strict avoidance of tobacco and alcohol, and regular cardiac evaluations among young adults. He also reiterated that there is no scientific evidence linking COVID-19 vaccination to sudden cardiac deaths.
The study serves as a strong warning that heart health among young people cannot be taken lightly. Early screening, healthy lifestyle choices, and timely medical intervention may be key to preventing sudden deaths.