Sunjay's demise: Can a bee sting lead to heart attack?

In a shocking turn of events, Indian businessman and Karisma Kapoor’s ex-husband, Sunjay Kapur, passed away a few days ago in England during a polo match. He was in his 50s. According to business consultant Suhel Seth, Sunjay suffered a heart attack after reportedly swallowing a bee during the game.Suhel confirmed to ANI, “Sunjay died of a heart attack, apparently after swallowing a bee during a polo match in England.”What happens when a Bee stings you?According to a report published in 2017 by the University of Melbourne, bees sting when they feel they’re in danger. They have a barbed stinger and a venom sac. When a bee stings, it leaves its stinger behind and pumps venom into the skin. For most people, it causes basic symptoms, a bit of pain, swelling, or itching.

But for some, especially those who are allergic, it can lead to a very serious condition called anaphylaxis. This is when the body reacts badly to the venom, sometimes in life-threatening ways.

It’s not just the venom that’s the problem, it’s how someone’s body responds to it.Swallowing a Bee — How can that be dangerous?Swallowing a bee might sound bizarre, but it’s actually something doctors say can happen. Back in 2015, Dr Bobbi Pritt from the Mayo Clinic had explained that while most bugs we accidentally swallow don’t do any harm, stinging insects like bees or wasps are a different story.

If they sting you on the inside, like in your throat, it can cause massive swelling. For people with allergies, this is even more dangerous and can cause hives, facial and throat swelling, breathing difficulty, and even sudden cardiac arrest if not treated promptly.Can a Bee sting really trigger a heart attack?Experts say that if someone is stung in the throat or inside the mouth and is allergic, it can lead to their airway swelling up. If they can't breathe properly, their heart can go into shock and even stop.Dr Suma Malini Victor in an interview with Khaleej Times, shared that “Even in those without known allergies, if the bee stings the airway, tongue, or throat, it can cause sudden airway swelling and obstruction.” That’s when things can go downhill very quickly, especially without quick medical help.So what should you do if you get stung?According to the University of Melbourne, the key is to act fast. Bees usually leave their stinger behind.

You should remove it within 30 seconds to reduce how much venom goes in. Don’t pinch it instead, use something like a credit card or your fingernail to scrape it off. If the reaction is mild, a cold pack can help with pain and swelling. But if someone is stung near the throat or starts feeling dizzy, wheezing, or struggling to breathe, they need medical help right away.Who was Sunjay Kapur?Sunjay Kapur wasn’t just known for his business empire, he was once part of Bollywood royalty. He married actress Karisma Kapoor in 2003, and the couple became regulars in Page 3 circles. They had two children together — Samaira (born in 2005) and Kiaan (born in 2011). The couple eventually parted ways in 2016. Sunjay later married Priya Sachdev, who had a brief stint in Bollywood herself. Together, they had a son named Azarias.

Sunjay is now survived by Priya, Azarias, and his two children from his first marriage.