A sharp rise in heart-related illnesses and mortality rates has been recorded in Karachi since the Covid-19 pandemic, raising alarm among both doctors and patients. While the increase mirrors global patterns, experts caution that scientific proof is still needed before linking it directly to coronavirus or vaccines.
Cardiologists confirm that hospitals have seen a surge in cardiac emergencies over the past three years. Dr. Farhala Baloch, consultant cardiologist at the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), told Express News that before Covid-19, around 1,000-1,500 patients annually required urgent angiography, angioplasty, or bypass. "Since 2021, that number has doubled to nearly 3,000 cases a year," she said.
While advanced facilities at AKUH have reduced mortality in many cases, Dr. Baloch noted a disturbing rise in deaths among younger patients, some as young as 18. "Heart attacks among people in their 40s are now more frequent. Many cases involve cardiogenic shock, which is harder to treat," she explained.
Doctors believe the pandemic indirectly contributed to higher cardiac risk. Lockdowns and remote work worsened sedentary lifestyles, stress, and obesity. Patients who gained weight or developed diabetes during the pandemic are now more vulnerable. International studies also confirm that Covid-19 damaged heart muscles, raised clotting risks, and caused irregular rhythms - even in patients with mild infection.
Regarding vaccines, Dr. Baloch stressed that no scientific evidence links them to heart attacks. Some patients reported palpitations or high blood pressure after vaccination, but she called these side effects temporary. "Vaccines saved countless lives. Suggesting otherwise could discourage people from taking flu or other critical vaccines," she warned.
Data from the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) underscores the trend: in 2024 alone, NICVD treated 9,925 heart attack patients, performing more than 3,000 major cardiac procedures. Experts say the demand for stents and angioplasties has sharply risen nationwide.
Globally, similar patterns have been observed. In Tanzania, cardiologist Dr. Javed Ahmed Jilbani reported a fourfold increase in heart attacks after lockdowns ended. Studies from the UK Biobank also suggest blood groups A, B, and AB carry higher post-Covid cardiac risk, while blood group O appears less vulnerable.
Health specialists emphasize the need for more local research, as well as stronger public health initiatives to curb lifestyle-related risks. They warn that without urgent action, Pakistan's cardiac burden - already among the world's highest - may intensify in the coming decade.
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