Rising Cases of Sudden Cardiac Arrest in India: Shocking Sports Deaths, Causes, Warning Signs, and What We Can Do to Prevent Them

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by

Himanshu
in

In recent months, India has witnessed a worrying trend — sudden cardiac arrests among young and seemingly fit individuals. From athletes on the field to regular fitness enthusiasts, heart-related collapses have shaken the nation’s confidence in what we thought we understood about fitness and health.

What’s alarming is that these aren’t isolated cases. They span across states and age groups, often occurring in public events, gyms, marathons, and even friendly games of cricket or badminton. This deep-dive explores recent incidents, the science behind sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), and expert-backed prevention strategies that every individual and institution must know.

Understanding Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA)

Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is a condition where the heart suddenly stops beating effectively due to an electrical malfunction. Unlike a heart attack, which results from blocked blood flow, SCA is caused by arrhythmia — a sudden irregularity in heartbeat that prevents proper blood circulation to the brain and vital organs.

Without immediate CPR or an automated external defibrillator (AED), survival chances drop by 10% for every minute of delay.

Medical TermMeaningEffect
Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA)Electrical failure in the heartImmediate loss of consciousness
Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)Blocked coronary arteryMay lead to SCA if untreated
ArrhythmiaAbnormal heart rhythmCauses irregular heartbeat
CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)Emergency manual pumping of heartRestores limited blood flow temporarily
AED (Automated External Defibrillator)Device that shocks heart to restart rhythmIncreases survival by up to 70% if used promptly

Recent Incidents of Cardiac Arrest in Sports and Fitness Circles

Several tragic incidents in 2024–2025 have highlighted the need for immediate action:

Date / MonthLocationVictimActivity During CollapseProbable Cause
April 2025HyderabadM. Praneeth, 32Playing cricketChest pain, suspected cardiac arrest
July 2025HyderabadGundla Rakesh, 25Playing badmintonCollapsed mid-game
February 2024BengaluruHoysala, 34 (Former state cricketer)Post-match huddleSudden cardiac arrest
November 2024PuneImran Patel, 35Cricket league matchChest & arm pain, collapsed
May 2025Pakistan (cross-border case)Aleem Khan, 24Bowling in domestic matchCardiac arrest during match
June 2025Telangana53-year-old manPlaying badmintonDied instantly, suspected heart failure

These cases reflect that age and fitness level do not always safeguard against SCA. From young professionals to seasoned sportsmen, the condition has affected individuals from all walks of life.

Is There a Rise in Cardiac Arrest Cases in India?

While precise national data is limited, health experts estimate that India records over 7 lakh sudden cardiac deaths annually — that’s almost 1,900 deaths every day. Studies suggest a 10–15% increase in cardiac emergencies over the last five years, particularly among people aged 25 to 45.

Estimated Year-wise Rise (Approximate):

YearEstimated Sudden Cardiac DeathsPercentage Rise YoY
20185,50,000—
20206,20,000+12.7%
20226,85,000+10.5%
20247,25,000+5.8%
2025 (Projected)7,40,000++2.1%

The post-pandemic years saw a noticeable spike in heart-related incidents, and researchers are still studying if COVID-19 or its after-effects may have played a role.

Common Causes Behind These Cardiac Emergencies

Understanding the root causes is crucial. Doctors and cardiologists highlight multiple overlapping factors responsible for sudden collapses during physical activity:

1. Undiagnosed Heart Conditions

Many people have underlying issues like Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) or Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia (ARVD), which remain asymptomatic until a triggering event.

2. Extreme Physical Stress

High-intensity sports or endurance events, especially under heat and dehydration, can shock the heart’s rhythm even in fit individuals.

3. Electrolyte Imbalance and Dehydration

Sweating heavily without proper rehydration leads to imbalances in sodium and potassium — key elements that regulate heartbeat.

4. Poor Lifestyle and Hidden Risk Factors

A sedentary work life, stress, poor diet, smoking, alcohol, and lack of sleep increase long-term risk.

5. Delayed Emergency Response

The lack of AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) and limited CPR awareness reduce survival rates drastically.

What Medical Experts Are Saying

Cardiologists warn that many of these incidents can be prevented through early screening and public readiness. Routine tests like ECG, echocardiography, lipid profile, and treadmill tests (TMT) are vital, especially for individuals above 25 years who engage in regular sports or gym workouts.

According to experts:

  • 90% of SCA victims show no prior symptoms.
  • Immediate CPR can double or triple survival chances.
  • AED use within 3 minutes raises survival rate to 70%.

Emergency Response: The Missing Link

One common thread in most cases is the absence of rapid medical response. In many local playgrounds, gyms, and tournaments:

  • No defibrillator (AED) is available.
  • Players or staff are not trained in CPR.
  • Ambulance arrival time exceeds 10 minutes.

Average Time vs. Survival Rate:

Response TimeChance of Survival
< 3 minutes70%
5 minutes50%
8 minutes30%
>10 minutes<10%

This data shows that time is life when it comes to cardiac arrest.

Is Lifestyle to Blame?

While genes play a role, the sharp rise in cardiac events is also linked to modern lifestyle patterns:

  • High stress jobs
  • Poor sleep (less than 6 hours regularly)
  • Irregular meals and excessive caffeine
  • Overexertion during workouts without medical clearance
  • Post-COVID cardiac inflammation or stress on the myocardium

A 2024 Indian Heart Study reported that 1 in 4 young professionals (under 40) shows early signs of hypertension or abnormal cholesterol levels.

How to Prevent Sudden Cardiac Arrest: Key Steps

For Individuals

  1. Get regular heart screenings – ECG, lipid profile, and stress tests annually.
  2. Listen to your body – Don’t ignore symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or fatigue.
  3. Warm-up and cool down before and after any workout or match.
  4. Avoid excessive energy drinks and unregulated supplements.
  5. Stay hydrated and maintain electrolyte balance during sports.

For Sports Clubs & Gyms

  1. Install AEDs and train staff for CPR.
  2. Mandate pre-participation medical screening.
  3. Keep emergency contact and hospital tie-ups ready.
  4. Educate players about heart health and risk factors.

For Government & Authorities

  1. Include cardiac awareness modules in sports associations and public health programs.
  2. Mandate AED installation in all gyms, stadiums, and public parks.
  3. Launch nationwide “Save a Heart” CPR training drives.

Early Warning Signs Everyone Should Know

Many victims ignore early symptoms, assuming it’s just “fatigue” or “gas.” Learn to spot the warnings:

Warning SignPossible Meaning
Chest pressure or burningReduced blood flow to heart
Sudden breathlessnessCardiac stress or arrhythmia
Dizziness or faintingReduced oxygen to brain
Pain radiating to arm/jawImpending cardiac event
Unexplained sweatingBody reacting to reduced circulation

If any of these symptoms appear during exercise or sports, stop immediately and seek medical help.

Conclusion: Prevention is the Only Cure

The sudden surge in cardiac-related collapses in India is a wake-up call. These tragedies underline a simple truth — fitness doesn’t always mean heart health. Regular medical checkups, CPR awareness, and timely response mechanisms can turn the tide.

A life can be saved in three minutes — but only if we’re prepared. Let this growing pattern be a reason to act, not just react.

Disclaimer:

This article is meant for educational and awareness purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for any health-related concerns or symptoms.