COVID Vaccines Not Linked to Sudden Cardiac Deaths in Young Adults, Confirms AIIMS-ICMR Study
New Delhi, 2nd July 2025: A comprehensive study by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has confirmed there is no link between COVID-19 vaccines and sudden cardiac deaths in young adults. The Union Health Ministry, citing these findings, clarified that no evidence exists to suggest COVID-19 vaccination has increased the risk of heart attacks among youth.
The study, conducted between May and August 2023 across 47 hospitals in 19 states and union territories, focused on apparently healthy individuals who died suddenly between October 2021 and March 2023. Its analysis showed no association between COVID-19 vaccination and an increased risk of sudden death or heart attack among young adults.
This report was released a day after Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah suggested that the emergency approval and rapid rollout of COVID-19 vaccines could be linked to sudden deaths among youth in his state. He also announced the formation of a panel to examine the possible adverse effects of vaccination.
The findings come amid widespread concerns over sudden cardiac deaths reported among young people nationwide. The ICMR, along with the National Centre for Disease Control, continues to explore other potential causes behind such fatalities. According to the study, lifestyle-related issues and pre-existing health conditions remain the primary contributors to these deaths.
