Over half of sudden death cases found in people aged 18–45; undetected heart conditions major cause
Guwahati: Sudden death among young adults is becoming a serious public health concern in India, according to a recent study conducted by AIIMS, New Delhi, in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). The study, published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research, found that more than half of sudden death cases occurred in people aged between 18 and 45 years, with men being far more affected than women.
The research analysed 180 sudden death cases from over 2,200 autopsies conducted between May 2023 and April 2024. After exclusions, 162 cases were studied in detail. Of these, 58 per cent were young adults. Most deaths were linked to undiagnosed heart-related conditions such as congenital heart defects, structural cardiomyopathies and electrical disorders of the heart. Many of the victims were reportedly healthy and had no prior symptoms.
According to the study, sudden death is defined as a death occurring within one hour of symptom onset in witnessed cases, or within 24 hours of last being seen alive in unwitnessed cases. Researchers noted that sudden death is often the first sign of an underlying disease, especially in younger individuals.
The study found that the average age of sudden death among young adults was 33.6 years, with men outnumbering women by more than four times. Most cases occurred at home, during night or early morning hours. Common warning signs before death included sudden loss of consciousness, chest pain, breathing difficulty and vomiting.
Cardiac causes accounted for nearly two-thirds of all sudden deaths, while non-cardiac causes made up the rest. In older adults, coronary artery disease was the leading cause, while in younger individuals, inherited heart muscle and rhythm disorders were more common.
Cardiologist Dr Naresh Trehan stressed the importance of early detection, especially for those with a family history of heart disease. He advised cardiac screening at a young age and routine health check-ups by 30, stating that timely diagnosis can prevent many such deaths. “Knowing your body early remains the most effective way to prevent sudden death,” he said.
The study highlights the urgent need for awareness, early screening and preventive healthcare to reduce sudden deaths among young adults in India.
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