Health and Family Welfare Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao on Thursday informed the Legislative Assembly that a separate screening would be conducted for auto and cab drivers as they are prone to cardiac arrest.

Replying to a question of H.D. Revanna, which was asked by A. Manju (JD-S) on the former’s behalf, the Minister said: “Pollution, not much sleep, and uncertain food habits are causing heart attacks. The government is specifically talking to auto and cab drivers’ associations for taking up health programmes.”

Medical Education Minister Sharan Prakash Patil said a committee headed by Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research director Ravindranath was formed to look into the deaths owing to heart attacks in Hassan. The report has been submitted, which said that over 75% of the people had more than one medical condition which is dangerous for the heart.

Dr. Patil said the major reasons for cardiac arrests were inadequate physical activity, unhealthy food habits, work pressure, body weight, excessive drinking, diabetes, blood pressure or family history of heart attacks.