By Dr Mallesh P
The sudden death of Rakesh Poojary due to cardiac arrest at the young age of 34, has once again raised the question – how could someone so fit and active go into cardiac arrest?
Rakesh’s death, a well-known actor /comedian known for his appearances on the TV show Comedy Khiladigalu, dealt yet another blow to Karnataka’s entertainment industry. With roles in films like Pailwaan and many Tulu-language productions, he had a promising future in cinema. Rakesh’s death is not an isolated case. Sandalwood stars Puneeth Rajkumar and Chiranjeevi Sarja, RJ Rachana, popular Hindi film actors Sidharth Shukla and Inder Kumar – are among the celebs who died of cardiac arrest before the age of 50.
A startling number of young, physically fit people in India are dying of heart-related conditions. This is a fast developing crisis that requires immediate attention from all of us, not just from medical professionals.
Why Are Young People Getting Affected?
People were in a state of shock and disbelief when matinee idol Puneeth Rajkumar died from cardiac arrest while working out in his home gym. People still wonder why someone like Puneeth, an avid fitness buff and role model for many, died of cardiac arrest in his 40s. Did his fitness and active lifestyle not matter? Why are young celebrities like Rakesh Poojary dying suddenly due to cardiac arrest? Let’s find out.
- Modern Stress and Lifestyle
Chronic stress, lack of sleep, and sedentary work—even when paired with occasional gym routines—are harming our hearts. Add to that irregular eating habits, consuming processed foods, and screen addiction, and you have a ticking time bomb for your health.
- Genetics and Hidden Conditions
Some people have a genetic predisposition to heart disease, but are unaware about it. Silent conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes can exist for years before showing symptoms.
- Excessive or Unregulated Workouts
Sudden, intense physical exertion—especially in individuals with underlying issues—can trigger cardiac events. Pre-workout supplements, energy drinks, and unverified fitness regimes also contribute to added cardiovascular strain.
What Can You Do to Prevent Cardiac Arrest?
Cardiac health deserves timely attention: A regular preventive health check-up is a good start. Even if you’re young and feel healthy, at least once a year, you should undergo some basic tests such as: ECG (electrocardiogram) to detect abnormal heart rhythms, 2D Echo (echocardiogram) for evaluation of heart structure and function, TMT for assessing how the heart handles stress, lipid profile to measure cholesterol levels, HbA1c and fasting sugar to detect diabetes or pre-diabetic conditions, BP monitoring, high-sensitivity CRP to measure inflammation and detect early heart risk signs, thyroid function test as thyroid imbalance can affect heart rhythm. If you have a family history of heart disease, these tests become more crucial.
Lifestyle changes to mitigate the danger: The key to managing most modern-day diseases is to maintain healthy lifestyle habits.
Sleep Well: Seven to nine hours of quality sleep nightly is recommended.
Eat Clean Food: Focus on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats (like nuts, seeds, and olive oil).
Do Moderate Exercise: Walking, swimming, or yoga for at least 30 minutes on most days or a 5-km walk everyday, is recommended to maintain optimal health.
Manage Stress: Meditation, hobbies, spiritual practices, or deep breathing exercises will help to reduce heart risk .
Quit the Vices: Motivate yourself to give up smoking and alcohol, and be cautious while taking supplements or OTC stimulants.
Early Warning Signs
Most often, health issues display signs before they hit us hard. Here are some signs to watch for in those with cardiac issues. Don’t ignore these red flags—even if they seem mild.
Sudden chest discomfort (tightness, heaviness)
Shortness of breath with little exertion
Fatigue beyond what it seems normal
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Irregular heartbeat or palpitations
If you experience any of these, consult a doctor immediately.
Heart health is important. While stress is the bane of modern society, we can all incorporate some measures to pause and relax every once in a while, engaging in activities that bring us closer to nature, that teach us mindfulness, and that brings us joy. Live well, work hard, but prioritise your heart first.
About the Author
Dr Mallesh P , MBBS, MD ( Gen Med), DM (Cardiology) is an interventional cardiologist practicing at SS Narayana Superspecialty Hospital, Davanagere.
