The death of Indian shooting legend Jaspal Rana has sent shockwaves across the country, raising fresh concerns about the growing incidence of heart disease among younger Indians as reported by Times of India.
The Olympian and former Indian shooter passed away at a hospital in Delhi on Thursday at the age of 49. According to reports, Rana had recently undergone a stent procedure after experiencing chest discomfort during the ISSF World Cup in Munich, Germany.
Speaking to the media, his brother Subash Rana revealed that Jaspal initially believed the discomfort was caused by acidity and continued with his travel plans. However, when the symptoms returned, he sought medical treatment.
According to Times of India (TOI Health), Dr. Balbir Singh, Group Chairman - Cardiac Sciences, Pan Max & Chief of Interventional Cardiology and Electrophysiology, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, explained the severity of Rana's condition.
"Mr. Jaspal Rana presented with an acute heart attack that was already three days old. He had been travelling and continued to experience chest pain before arriving at the hospital in a very critical condition," Dr. Singh told TOI Health.
He further stated:
"The artery responsible for the heart attack was completely blocked. It was found that his heart's pumping function was severely weakened, and he was in heart failure.
Patients who present late after a heart attack are at risk of serious complications, including cardiac rupture, which can lead to sudden death," Dr Singh added. "Mr. Rana had recovered significantly and was fit for discharge today. However, he unfortunately suffered a sudden cardiac rupture while asleep, which led to his demise."
Medical experts say Jaspal Rana's death highlights a troubling shift in cardiovascular health trends across India.
According to Times of India (TOI Health), Dr. Ashish Kumar, Senior Cardiologist at Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, noted that heart disease is no longer considered a condition affecting only older adults.
"For years, heart disease was believed to be a disease of old age. Today, cardiologists across India see a different trend. It’s no longer unusual to see patients in their 30s and 40s coming to emergency departments with blocked arteries, acute heart attacks and even sudden cardiac arrest," Dr Kumar told TOI Health.
He further explained that many of these patients appear healthy on the surface and are often in the most productive phase of their lives.
"What’s especially troubling about this trend is that many of these people appear outwardly healthy and are often in the most productive years of their lives.
It is well established in the literature that South Asians develop cardiovascular disease almost 5 to 10 years earlier than many Western populations. The average age of a first heart attack among Indians is much lower than what can be seen in Europe or North America.
Additional studies have also shown that over half of cardiovascular-related mortalities in India occur before the age of 70 years, emphasizing the country’s disproportionate burden of premature heart disease," he explained.
Dr Kumar also emphasized the need for greater awareness among younger individuals.
"The death of Jaspal Rana at an age when he was in his prime is a stark reminder that heart attacks are no longer restricted to the aged. As cardiologists, we are seeing a disturbing rise in the number of patients in their 30s and 40s with significant coronary artery disease. Indians are especially vulnerable as heart disease usually develops nearly a decade earlier than in Western populations. The most alarming thing is that many of the younger ones ignore warning signs," Dr Kumar said.
Cardiologists across the country say that the age profile of heart attack patients has changed significantly over the last two decades.
According to Times of India (TOI Health), Dr. G Dimpu Edwin Jonathan, Consultant - Interventional Cardiologist at Aster RV Hospital, Bengaluru, highlighted this growing concern.
"One worrying trend from the past two decades or so is that heart attacks, which used to show up more often in people in their 50s and 60s, are now increasingly being spotted in those in their 30s and 40s," Dr Jonathan said.
He advised adults above the age of 30 to proactively assess their cardiovascular health, particularly if they face chronic stress or have a family history of heart disease.
"If you’re above 30 to 35 years of age, especially if you’re living under chronic stress, or you have a family history of young people having heart attacks, it’s wise to get routine blood tests and also sit down with a cardiologist to gauge cardiac risk. A sign that’s often overlooked is a kind of heart attack that shows up and feels exactly like gastritis or classic heartburn," he suggested.
Dr Jonathan also warned that symptoms resembling common digestive issues should not be ignored.
"When heartburn comes with extreme tiredness, giddiness, nausea, vomiting, or even profuse sweating, please don’t delay, get an ECG done right away, to rule out a heart attack. For anyone with a family history of heart attacks, waiting until symptoms appear isn’t a smart strategy."
The American Heart Association (AHA) notes that many heart attacks begin gradually, with symptoms that are mild enough to be dismissed or mistaken for less serious health problems.
One of the most common warning signs is chest discomfort. Most people experiencing a heart attack feel discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts for several minutes or repeatedly comes and goes. Rather than severe pain, it may feel like pressure, squeezing, fullness, heaviness, or an uncomfortable sensation in the chest.
However, chest discomfort is not the only symptom associated with a heart attack.
According to the AHA, warning signs can also include pain or discomfort in the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach. In some cases, these symptoms may occur without any chest pain at all.
Shortness of breath is another significant warning sign and may appear with or without chest discomfort. Other symptoms that should not be ignored include excessive sweating, nausea, unusual fatigue, lightheadedness, dizziness, and a rapid or irregular heartbeat.
Medical experts stress that early recognition of these symptoms and immediate medical attention can significantly improve outcomes and save lives.
The untimely death of Jaspal Rana serves as a powerful reminder that heart disease can affect even those who appear healthy and active. Doctors say awareness, regular health screenings, and timely medical intervention remain critical in combating India's growing burden of premature cardiovascular disease.