Bengaluru, India – Hospitals across urban India are battling an unexpected epidemic: waves of patients convinced they’re having heart attacks, only to discover they’re experiencing severe panic attacks fueled by rising cardiac anxiety.
The Panic Trigger
After actor Puneeth Rajkumar’s shocking 2021 death and yoga guru Sharath Jois’s 2024 cardiac arrest, "No one feels safe", admits one Bengaluru resident who rushed for tests. "Fit men, vegetarians, teetotalers, even human pretzels – everyone’s vulnerable."
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DIY Heart Tests & Medical Reality
Like thousands of anxious Indians, the writer relied on homemade diagnostics:
Climbing Chamundi Hill 3x/weekBut after treadmill tests at Kannan Diagnostic Centre and Shanthaveri Hospital, the doctor’s verdict was sobering: "All’s well. But one never knows. Moderation is key."
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Lifestyle: The Silent Assassin
| Then (1990s-2000s) | Now | |
|---|---|---|
| Heart Health Talk | Rare whispers about surgeries | "Statins," "stents," "angiograms" in 30s’ conversations |
| Habits | Home-cooked meals, active commutes | Swiggy-delivered greasy food, sedentary work |
| Attitude | "Exercise prevents attacks" | "If fit Puneeth died, why try?" |
Doctors confirm: Genetics may "load the gun, but lifestyle pulls the trigger." Sedentary routines, stress, poor diets, and alcohol have turned heart disease into India’s leading lifestyle epidemic.
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Gender Myth Busted
While heart attacks are stereotyped as a "male problem," women face equal risk with subtler symptoms. Sridevi’s 2018 death highlighted this silent threat, yet <20% of Indian women get preventive heart check-ups.
The Way Out: Moderation, Not Fear
A cardiologist’s advice cuts through the panic:
"Carry Sorbitrate tablets if needed, but focus on balance: mindful eating, stress management, sleep, and movement. Blaming vaccines or sleep won’t save you."
The solution? Embracing Madhyamā-pratipadā – the Buddhist principle of middle-path moderation.
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A Genie’s Wisdom
The article ends with dark humor:
Woman to sexist genie: "Give me a mild heart attack."
Result: Husband gets ten times worse.
Moral: Don’t wait for fear to strike. Get checked, but live wisely.
Disclaimer: The health tips shared on this blog are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health routine. Content is based on publicly available sources and edited for clarity
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