Bengaluru man, an active Kabaddi player with no known heart disease, collapses while eating lunch: Why even physically fit people may be at risk of heart attacks

For Chandru, October 30 began like any other working day. The cashier at Guru Greens Family Restaurant near Bannerghatta in Bengaluru reportedly arrived at around 9:30 am, greeted his colleagues and started his shift. However, just over two hours later, an ordinary lunch break turned tragic. According to an NDTV report, Chandru sat down to eat food he had brought from home at around 11:40 am. CCTV footage from the restaurant reportedly shows him suddenly experiencing severe chest pain, clutching his chest and collapsing face-first onto the table within seconds.

His colleagues immediately rushed to help and attempted cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). As he remained unconscious, they took him to a nearby private hospital. However, he did not respond to treatment and was declared dead.

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Chandru hailed from Channarayapatna in Karnataka's Hassan district and was living in Bengaluru with his wife and two children. The Hulimavu police have registered a case and are investigating the suspected heart attack.

No history of heart disease, Chandru was an active Kabaddi player

What has made the incident particularly concerning is Chandru's reported health and fitness background.

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Restaurant manager Nitin told NDTV that Chandru had played Kabaddi since childhood and was considered physically fit and healthy. He reportedly had no known history of heart-related problems.

His colleagues were shocked by his sudden collapse, as he had appeared completely normal shortly before the incident.

The case has once again drawn attention to the fact that physical fitness and the absence of previously diagnosed heart conditions do not necessarily eliminate the risk of a sudden cardiac event.

Why are younger people experiencing heart attacks?

Heart attacks, medically known as myocardial infarctions, are generally more common among older adults. However, younger men and women can also experience them, sometimes without any previously diagnosed cardiovascular condition.

A study published in the National Library of Medicine examining heart attacks among people under 45 identifies four broad categories of causes:

• Drug-related heart attacks: The use of certain recreational substances can affect heart function and trigger cardiovascular emergencies.
• Blood-clotting disorders: Conditions that make blood more likely to clot can obstruct blood flow to the heart.
• Coronary artery disease due to plaque build-up: Fatty deposits can accumulate inside the arteries, narrowing them and restricting blood supply to the heart.
• Other forms of coronary artery disease: Heart attacks can also occur due to causes unrelated to the conventional build-up of plaque in the arteries.

These findings underline why heart attacks should not be considered exclusively an age-related health concern.

What are the common risk factors behind early-age heart attacks?

Several lifestyle habits and underlying health conditions can increase the likelihood of cardiovascular problems, even among younger adults.

Some important risk factors include:

• High blood pressure: Uncontrolled hypertension puts additional strain on the heart and can damage blood vessels over time.
• High cholesterol: Excess cholesterol can contribute to plaque formation inside arteries, restricting blood flow.
• Smoking: Tobacco damages blood vessels and increases the risk of coronary artery disease.
• Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels and increase cardiovascular risk.
• Obesity: Excess body weight is associated with several heart-related risk factors, including hypertension and abnormal cholesterol levels.
• Physical inactivity: A sedentary lifestyle can contribute to weight gain, poor cardiovascular health and metabolic problems.
• Unhealthy diet: Diets high in salt, saturated fats and processed foods can increase the risk of heart disease.
• Excessive alcohol consumption: Heavy drinking can contribute to high blood pressure and other cardiovascular complications.

Family history and certain inherited conditions can also increase the risk, making it important not to overlook cardiovascular health simply because someone is young or physically active.

Can a heart attack happen without warning?

Not everyone experiences the same symptoms before a heart attack. While chest pain or discomfort is a common warning sign, some people may experience breathlessness, unusual sweating, nausea, dizziness or pain spreading to the arms, back, neck or jaw.

Symptoms can appear suddenly or develop gradually. Some heart attacks may also occur without the person recognising the warning signs.

Sudden or severe chest discomfort, particularly when accompanied by breathlessness, sweating or dizziness, requires immediate medical attention. Calling emergency services and starting CPR, if a person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, can be critical while waiting for medical assistance.


Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.