Barabanki has been shaken by two sudden deaths of children within 17 days, raising concerns about potential silent cardiac attacks. On July 19, 2025, Nandini, a Class 10 district topper, suddenly experienced hiccups, nosebleeds, and foamy discharge from her mouth while having lunch at school. She became unconscious and died before reaching the hospital. Earlier, on July 2, 2025, Akhil, a 12-year-old, collapsed outside his school.
He was rushed to a local hospital and then referred to Lucknow, but passed away en route. Another similar incident occurred in Kasganj on July 4, 2025, where a Class 10 student collapsed during prayer due to chest pain and later died.
Experts suggest silent cardiac attacks as a probable cause for these sudden deaths, noting that post-mortem reports are often unavailable or inconclusive. Unlike typical heart attacks with pronounced symptoms like severe chest pain, silent cardiac attacks present with minimal or no overt signs, making them difficult to recognize. Doctors explain that sudden unconsciousness, nosebleeds, or frothing can indicate blockages in heart arteries or heart failure.
Many children may have undiagnosed congenital heart diseases.
The increasing prevalence of such cases among children and adolescents, previously less common, is attributed to modern lifestyles. Pediatrician Dr. Salman Khan highlights excessive screen time, lack of physical activity, and irregular sleep patterns as contributing factors, stressing their negative impact on heart health. Cardiologist Dr. Rohit Gupta adds that a diet high in junk food and cold drinks, coupled with academic pressure, can lead to obesity, high cholesterol, and increased blood pressure even in young individuals. Experts recommend regular screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, and kidney function, especially if there's a family history of heart disease, to prevent such sudden cardiac emergencies.
Regarding vaccination as a cause, an ICMR study refutes this, indicating that COVID-19 vaccines reduce, rather than increase, the risk of sudden death in young adults. The study, conducted across 19 states and 47 hospitals, found a significantly lower risk of unexplained sudden death in individuals who received at least one or two doses of the vaccine.
