Sunjay Kapur, Sona Comstar chairman, succumbs to heart attack while playing polo; experts warn competitive sports can raise BP

In a tragic incident, Bollywood actress Karisma Kapoor’s ex-husband and Sona Comstar chairman, Sunjay Kapur, passed away at the age of 53 due to a heart attack on Thursday, June 12, in England. According to an India Today report, the well-known Indian businessman suffered a heart attack while he was playing polo. Another young death due to a heart attack has heightened concerns about the growing risk factors linked with cardiovascular diseases.?

The piece of news was confirmed by author and columnist Suhel Seth, who took to his social media platform X (formerly called Twitter) and posted, "Deeply saddened at the passing of @sunjaykapur: he passed away earlier today in England: a terrible loss and deepest condolences to his family and to his colleagues @sonacomstar. Om Shanti."

Credit: X | @Suhelseth

After hearing the news about Sunjay Kapur's demise, actress Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan rushed to Karisma Kapoor's house to offer her support. The ex-couple got married in 2003 but later got divorced in 2016. The duo had two children together, Samaira and Kiaan. But what is leading to sudden heart attack cases among young people? Let's find out; keep scrolling to know.?

Rising heart attack cases among youth spark urgent health warnings

Heart attacks are increasingly being noticed as a growing epidemic, especially among younger individuals, raising alarm across the medical community.?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) account for nearly 17.9 million deaths annually, and the report suggests that men are more frequently affected by CVDs than women.?

Credit: X | @prashant10gaur

But is lifestyle at play or genetics? As per reports, a combination of hormonal protection, lifestyle choices and genetic predispositions can be the factors that make men more prone to heart diseases as compared to women.?

Several risk factors contribute to the likelihood of experiencing a heart attack. "First, genetic predisposition plays a significant role; a family history of heart disease can increase susceptibility. "Additionally, lifestyle choices such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and a diet high in saturated fats and cholesterol can elevate risk levels," says Dr Swarup Swaraj Pal, Sr. Consultant Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgeon, Gleneagles Hospitals Parel.?

Does playing aggressive sports lead to the risk of a sudden heart attack?

As per the report, the Sonacomstar owner died of a sudden heart attack while playing polo. This raises concerns about playing sports without knowing about your body.?

According to Dr Swarup Swaraj Pal, Sr. Consultant Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgeon, Gleneagles Hospitals Parel, "Sedentary behaviour, especially in athletes who may overlook cardiovascular health due to their physical fitness, can also be a factor."

"Stress, particularly from competitive sports or lifestyle pressures, can lead to elevated blood pressure and heart strain. Furthermore, underlying medical conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity significantly heighten the risk," he adds.??

Men are more prone to heart attacks than women?

Hormonal differences play a vital role in causing heart diseases. In women, oestrogen is predominant before menopause and offers a protective effect on the heart by improving the cholesterol levels, as well as keeping the blood vessels flexible.?

In men, the lack of this advantage makes them more prone to the disease. "High cholesterol levels, often influenced by poor diet and lack of exercise, can lead to atherosclerosis—the buildup of plaque in arteries," says Dr Rishi Bhargava, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist, Medicover Hospitals, Navi Mumbai.

Credit: X

Additionally, high blood pressure and diabetes, increasingly common in younger populations due to obesity and sedentary lifestyles, are major contributors.?

Tips to prevent heart attack risks and more?

Stress and anxiety, prevalent among young professionals and athletes, can also exacerbate the risk of cardiovascular issues. "Prevention strategies include maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, coupled with regular physical activity," suggests Dr. Bhargava.?

"Managing stress through mindfulness or yoga can also be beneficial. Regular health screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose levels, as well as avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol, are essential steps in minimising the risk of heart attacks at a young age," he adds.?