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Can bee ingestion lead to a heart attack? Cardiologist decodes Sunjay Kapur’s cause of death
Samira Vishwas | June 13, 2025 7:24 PM CST

New Delhi: Businessman and industrialist Sunjay Kapur, known for his association with the automotive industry and also as the former husband of actor Karisma Kapoor, tragically passed away at the age of 53. The incident occurred during a polo match in England on Thursday evening. Reports suggest that Kapur may have suffered a fatal heart attack after accidentally ingesting a bee during the game.

The shocking news was confirmed by noted business consultant Suhel Seth, who expressed his condolences on social media. “Deeply saddened at the passing of @sunjaykapur… a terrible loss and deepest condolences to his family and colleagues,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter). Kapur was married to Priya Sachdev, a former model and entrepreneur, at the time of his passing.

Can swallowing a bee cause a heart attack?

Doctors say that despite being an improbable scenario, there are serious health risks involved with swallowing a bee, especially if it stings internally. In this case, the sting can lodge in sensitive areas such as the airway or throat, thereby resulting in serious complications.

Dr Rajiv Bhagwat, Senior Consultant Cardiologist at Breach Candy Hospital, Mumbai, said, “A bee sting has toxins that, in some individuals, can trigger a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. This reaction can lead to a sudden drop in blood pressure, airway constriction, and, in extreme cases, cardiac arrest. In Sanjay Kapoor’s case, the sting may have caused a swift systemic response, placing acute stress on the heart and possibly triggering a fatal heart attack. Immediate medical attention is critical in such situations, as even a single sting can prove life-threatening for those with underlying heart conditions or severe allergic sensitivity.”

What are the risks involved with anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction that can escalate rapidly. Symptoms may include drastic drops in blood pressure, swelling of the airways, and impaired heart function. Even individuals with no prior allergy history can experience a severe reaction if stung in such vulnerable areas. And while coronary artery disease is the leading cause of cardiac arrest, especially in older adults, rare events like anaphylaxis cannot be ruled out, especially during high-intensity sports.

How to help a patient after swallowing a bee?

Doctors say that in such a case, immediate action is a must. The following steps are suggested:

  1. Get medical support immediately
  2. Keep the patient upright and calm to ease breathing
  3. Perform CPR if needed


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