13 June 2025 : Sunjay Kapur, 53-year-old businessman and ex-husband of actor Karisma Kapoor, died of a heart attack in the UK on June 12. He was reportedly playing polo in London. The incident highlights the importance of recognising heart attack signs, which can be subtle and often dismissed.
Heart attack vs cardiac arrest while playing a sport
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Ravi Gupta, consultant interventional cardiologist at Saifee Hospital, Mumbai shared reasons for the ‘increasing incidence of heart attacks in the 40–50 age group’. He also shared key signs to watch out for as he explained how heart attacks and cardiac arrests while playing sports are often caused by underlying heart conditions that may not be immediately apparent.
Dr Gupta said, “Contrary to popular belief, most sudden collapses while playing a sport are not due to a heart attack but rather a cardiac arrest, which is a different and more immediate condition.”
Asked about the difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest, he said: “A heart attack occurs when there is a sudden blockage in one of the arteries supplying blood to the heart. A cardiac arrest is when the heart suddenly stops beating due to an electrical malfunction, often linked to irregular heart rhythms such as ventricular tachycardia (VT) or ventricular fibrillation (VF).”
Dr Gupta added, “During intense physical activity, especially in individuals with underlying structural heart abnormalities or genetic predispositions, the heart rate may spike to dangerously high levels — sometimes as high as 400–500 beats per minute. This can trigger sudden cardiac arrest, not necessarily a heart attack.”
Are heart attacks more common now? And why?
According to Dr Gupta, ‘due to heightened media coverage and public interest, such incidents are now more widely reported and discussed, creating a perception of rising numbers’.
Calling lack of early screening and lifestyle changes common reasons behind this ‘rise’, he said, “Many individuals remain unaware of existing heart conditions because they do not undergo basic health screenings before engaging in vigorous activities. Moreover, sedentary lifestyles combined with sudden bursts of strenuous activity (like starting a sport without conditioning) can increase the risk.”
Summary:
Industrialist Sunjay Kapur, 53, collapsed and died of a heart attack during a polo match in London. Cardiologists warn of silent symptoms and stress-related risks.