Medical experts have revealed that after the COVID-19 pandemic, the highest number of deaths are occurring due to heart diseases.
According to details, just like the rest of the world, an increase in heart attack cases has also been observed in Karachi after the pandemic, which medical experts have noted.
Experts said that some individuals who received the COVID-19 vaccine also reported complaints of chest pain, which has created ambiguity in society regarding the vaccine.
Medical experts admitted that in the initial days after vaccination, more cases of deaths due to heart attacks were reported. However, since post-mortems were not conducted during that period, it is difficult to determine whether the cause of death was COVID or something else, and research on this matter is ongoing.
In this regard, Aga Khan University Hospital’s Consultant Cardiologist, Dr. Farhala Baloch, said that if the data before and after COVID is compared, a clear difference can be seen.
She stated that a large number of heart attack cases are reported. According to the international registry data from Aga Khan University Hospital, before COVID in 2018 and 2019 about 1,000 to 1,500 patients annually required urgent angiography, angioplasty, or bypass. However, after COVID, from 2021 to 2024, this number increased to 2,500 to 3,000 patients annually.
She added that the number is not always the same because various factors influence it, but the increase has been both noted and reported.
She further explained that deaths from heart attacks have decreased because Aga Khan University Hospital is equipped with modern facilities, where patients receive better treatment, saving many lives. However, an alarming aspect is that the mortality rate from heart attacks is now increasing among younger patients. Most of these patients are around 40 years old and cannot survive due to cardiogenic shock.
She pointed out that in the past, heart diseases were mostly observed among the elderly, but now even 18 year olds are suffering from major heart attacks. Some patients survive, but some cannot be saved.
Dr. Farhala Baloch said that some people have the perception that COVID directly increased the risk of heart attacks, but in healthcare, decisions are not made based on perceptions alone research and clinical evidence are essential. Studies are being conducted in various countries on this matter. Some small studies have shown that individuals who suffered from severe COVID and required ICU or oxygen later experienced heart attacks. During COVID, after the lungs, the heart was the second-most affected organ.
She explained that when oxygen levels in the body decrease, the heart is also affected, leading to multi organ failure. But to say that COVID infection directly caused an increase in heart attacks is still premature.
She said that COVID indirectly increased heart attack rates. After the pandemic, people’s habits changed work from home became common, leading to more stress. People assumed it was easier, but in reality, it created double the pressure, especially for working women. Eating habits, sleep, and physical activities were also affected. Many obese patients coming to clinics say that they gained weight during the pandemic and are now unable to lose it.
The doctor added that international research has also confirmed that after the lungs, the heart was affected by COVID. The virus weakened heart muscles, increased heart attacks, and caused blood clotting issues. Even patients with mild COVID infections later reported irregular heartbeat, palpitations, or high blood pressure complaints.
