The sudden death of well-known industrialist and actress Karisma Kapoor’s ex-husband Sanjay Kapoor has shocked everyone. Sanjay Kapoor died on June 12, 2025 during a polo match in England. Initial reports said that he died of a heart attack but later a surprising claim came out that Sanjay Kapoor accidentally swallowed a bee while playing Polo, after which his health deteriorated. Can swallowing a bee really cause a heart attack? Let’s know from experts.
How can a heart attack be caused by swallowing bee
Dr. M. Wali, Senior Consultant of Sir Gangaram Hospital’s Department of Internal Medicine told Aajtak.in that the case of Sanjay Kapoor has come up. It may be that the bee has stung on their tongue while swallowing. The tongue is an extremely sensitive and blood vessel of our body. If there is sting on the tongue, then the poison of the bee can be found in the blood immediately. This poison can begin a process that we call allergic reactions.
Dr. Wali further explained that the allergic reaction may be lighter, such as itching or rash on the skin. But in some people who are susceptible to allergies, this reaction can be very serious which is called anaphylaxis in medical language. This condition can be so serious that it can cause swelling in the windpipe, sudden fall in blood pressure and even cardiac arrest or heart attack.
What other experts say
Many other experts have also given their opinion in this matter. Dr. Deepak Krishnamurthy, Senior International Cardiologist at Kims Hospital, Bengaluru, has associated it with a rare position ‘Kaunis Syndrome’. He wrote on the social media platform x that this is a rare case. Which syndrome is a serious allergic reaction that can cause a heart attack. Sanjay Kapoor swallowed the bee while playing polo, after which it is possible to sting his neck that Anaphylaxis and myocardial infarction (heart attack) occurred resulting in cardiac arrest.
An expert said that the poison of the bee is a well-known allergen. If this poison enters the bloodstream due to sting in the mouth or throat, it can cause swelling in the respiratory tube, sharp fall in blood pressure and breathing. This is a medical emergency.
What is Kounis Syndrome?
This syndrome is a rare therapeutic condition that was first defined in 1991. This occurs when an allergic reaction such as bee sting, medicine or food items triggers heart problems. According to Dr. Deepak Krishnamurthy, in this situation the body’s immune system activates the mast cells which releases chemicals like histamine and cytokines. These chemicals can cause cramps in the coronary arteries, which reduces blood flow to the heart and can cause heart attack.
How dangerous bee sting
Bee sting usually causes mild irritation, swelling or itching. But if the sting appears inside the throat or mouth, then it can be more dangerous. According to a report by Melbourne University, bee venom is a powerful mix of proteins and chemicals that can trigger severe allergic reactions in some people. If the sting appears in the windpipe, it can cause obstruction in breathing due to inflammation, which can reduce oxygen and increase pressure on the heart.
What to do in such a situation
Experts say that immediate action is necessary in the case of bee sting. The sting should be removed within 30 seconds so that the effect of poison is reduced. If there is a sting in the throat or symptoms like shortness of breath, dizziness or sharp swelling, then seek medical help immediately. Significantly, apart from a coronation of Sanjay Kapoor, his family or his company has not yet officially confirmed the swallowing of bee and the postmortem report is awaited. But this incident has once again proved how fatal can be in a sensitive part like bee sting, especially throat.
It is important to take this precautions
Avoid open beverages outside, especially by drinking open drinks in flowering areas, insects can go into the mouth.
Keep allergic knowledge, those who are allergic to pests, should wear medical alert bracelets and keep emergency medicines.
If you see symptoms like shortness of breath, dizziness or swelling, then reach the hospital immediately. Do not be negligent in such a case.