Chandigarh, March 20: A sharp rise in cardiovascular fatalities among young adults in Haryana has come to light, with official records showing 17,973 deaths in the 18-to-45 age group over the past six years. The figures, presented during the Vidhan Sabha budget session on Wednesday, indicate that heart attacks and heart failure have become a primary health threat for the state’s younger population.
Responding to a query by Congress MLA Vinesh Phogat, the state government provided a year-wise breakdown of the crisis. Health Minister Arti Singh shared that 2,394 deaths were recorded in 2020, rising to 3,188 in 2021. While 2022 saw 2,796 cases, the numbers surged again to 3,063 in 2024 and 3,255 in 2025. In the first month of 2026 alone, 391 such deaths have already been reported, maintaining a worrying upward trend.
District-level data submitted to the House revealed significant regional disparities. Yamunanagar reported the highest mortality rates, consistently recording between 370 and 460 deaths annually. In contrast, districts like Rohtak and Gurugram showed lower figures or recent declines. The Health Minister affirmed that the state has not yet conducted any specific study to determine if these spikes are correlated with COVID-19 infections or vaccination campaigns.
Medical experts have noted that the “invincibility” often felt by those in their 20s and 30s can be a dangerous illusion. They maintained that sedentary lifestyles, high stress levels, and poor dietary habits are contributing to a perfect storm for cardiovascular issues. Health department officials declared that while the government is monitoring the situation, regular screenings for blood pressure and cholesterol are essential for early detection.
