The unexpected passing of Ambareesh Murthy, co-founder of Pepperfry, following a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), has brought to the forefront a disturbing trend of cardiac arrests affecting even physically active individuals. Murthy, a seasoned biker with impressive feats under his belt, such as a ride to Leh, raises questions about the prevalence of cardiac arrests among young, seemingly fit Indians. Experts point to the lack of routine heart assessments after 40 and the potential dangers of engaging in strenuous activities without a comprehensive understanding of underlying heart conditions.
Dr. Nishith Chandra, Principal Director of Interventional Cardiology at Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, Delhi, sheds light on the situation. He emphasises that many individuals neglect to undergo heart tests as they enter their 40s, failing to ascertain their heart’s condition and its capacity to cope with sudden physical exertion or stress. This oversight becomes particularly perilous in high-altitude environments with low oxygen levels, which can serve as a trigger for cardiac arrest in those with pre-existing heart ailments. Dr. Chandra highlights the importance of proactive measures, such as taking the diuretic Diamox before embarking on journeys to high altitudes, to mitigate the risk of edoema and low oxygen saturation.
Murthy’s passion for extreme sports, including cross-country biking and trekking, comes under scrutiny from medical experts like Dr. Chandra. Engaging in endurance sports without awareness of underlying heart issues can potentially have detrimental consequences. Dr. Chandra references a 2012 study published by Dr. James O’Keefe in the American medical journal Mayo Clinic Proceedings, which examined the impact of endurance sports on heart health. The study revealed that intense physical exertion could lead to permanent overstretching of the heart muscle, resulting in strain on the heart. Scarring and coronary artery calcification were observed in some athletes, highlighting the need for comprehensive medical evaluations and adherence to safety guidelines to minimise such risks.
The tragic loss of Ambareesh Murthy underscores the imperative for individuals, especially those pursuing rigorous physical activities, to prioritise regular heart assessments and heed medical advice. As the medical community strives to understand and address the rising incidence of cardiac arrests among seemingly healthy individuals, the message remains clear: vigilance, informed decision-making, and responsible health practises are paramount to safeguarding against such devastating events.
Some celebs who died of heart attack
Comedian Raju Srivastava passed away at age 58, 41 days after he suffered a heart attack while exercising at a gym. From Marathi actor Pradeep Patwardhan, 65, who succumbed to a heart attack sometime back, to singer KK, who died after suffering a heart attack after his concert, to TV heartthrob Sidharth Shukla, who passed away in September 2021 due to cardiac arrest.
