Businessman Sunjay Kapur, former husband of actor Karisma Kapoor, passed away Thursday evening at the age of 53. The incident occurred during a polo match in England. According to business consultant Suhel Seth, Kapur is believed to have suffered a heart attack after accidentally swallowing a bee during the game.
Seth, confirming the news to ANI, said, “He passed away earlier today in England: a terrible loss and deepest condolences to his family and to his colleague.” On X, he wrote, “Deeply saddened at the passing of @sunjaykapur… a terrible loss and deepest condolences to his family and to his colleague.” At the time of his death, Kapur was married to entrepreneur and former model Priya Sachdev.
Kapur was a well-known name across business and polo circles, and his last post on social media reflected a sense of empathy after yesterday’s air crash in Ahmedabad. “Terrible news of the tragic Air India crash in Ahmedabad. My thoughts and prayers are with all the families affected. May they find strength in this difficult hour,” he wrote, just hours before he passed away.
Can accidentally swallowing a bee trigger a heart attack?
Dr CM Nagesh, general secretary, Indian College of Cardiology, tells indianexpress.com, “Swallowing a bee can lead to serious complications, especially if the insect stings the person internally, such as in the throat, esophagus, or airway.”
Dr Brajesh Kumar Mishra, head, Department of Cardiology at Manipal Hospital Gurgaon, adds, “It’s very unlikely. If it does happen, it’s usually due to the bee’s sting causing an anaphylactic reaction, which can lead to cardiac arrest.”
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
— SUHEL SETH (@Suhelseth) June 12, 2025
Dr Nagesh concurs, adding that the human body may respond to a bee sting in such sensitive areas with swelling, inflammation, or even a systemic allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis. “While a bee sting alone may not directly cause a heart attack, the body’s extreme reaction, particularly if there’s severe airway compromise or a rapid drop in blood pressure, can stress the cardiovascular system significantly.”
How serious are allergic reactions and airway blockages?
Dr Nagesh states, “In the case of an allergic reaction, anaphylaxis can cause the airway to swell, blood pressure to plummet, and the heart to stop functioning effectively. Airway blockage from the bee itself, especially if it stings while still alive, can further worsen the situation by causing choking or hypoxia.”
Even individuals without a known history of allergies can have a severe first-time reaction. In such cases, the window to administer emergency care is very short, and delay in intervention can result in fatal outcomes.
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Are sports players, especially those with underlying heart conditions, more at risk of fatal cardiac events?
Dr Mishra asserts, “Yes, the most common cause of cardiac arrest is coronary artery disease, which accounts for about 40–50% of cases. In younger individuals, the causes can include congenital heart defects, arrhythmias, channelopathies, or cardiomyopathies such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.”
Anaphylaxis is a very rare cause of cardiac arrest, but it can happen. Ultimately, cardiac fitness is critical when engaging in intense sports. “Anyone participating in such activities should undergo a thorough cardiac evaluation to rule out any underlying heart issues before engaging in strenuous physical activity,” suggests the cardiologist.
Immediate steps one should take if someone accidentally swallows a bee during a physical activity or game
Key steps, according to Dr Nagesh, include:
– Call for emergency medical help immediately.
– If available, administer an epinephrine injection (like an EpiPen), especially if the person has a known allergy.
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– Keep the person calm and seated upright to aid breathing.
– Monitor pulse and breathing closely. If they become unresponsive or stop breathing, begin CPR if trained.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
