Fit 40-year-old Delhi man nearly died of cardiac arrest, despite eating clean. What happened?

Think being fit and eating right will prevent a premature heart attack? Think again. Mohit Sachdeva, a resident of Delhi’s Lajpat Nagar, almost passed away from a massive cardiac arrest. The realtor was committed to fitness and went to the gym every day without fail. However, on July 9, Mohit started being assaulted by a sense of malaise while doing 180 kg of leg press. Overcome with dizziness, he collapsed soon after.

In an interview with the Indian Express, his wife, Ruby Sachdeva, revealed that he was saved from the jaws of death by someone who performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) at the gym.

Critical Intervention at Medanta-Moolchand Heart Centre

Mohit was urgently taken to the Medanta-Moolchand Heart Centre after a medical emergency that required immediate stabilization. Once his pulse and heart rhythm were brought under control, interventional cardiologist Dr. Tarun Kumar initiated treatment to elevate his dangerously low blood pressure. After conducting an electrocardiogram (ECG) and a bedside echocardiogram, the medical team moved forward with a coronary angiography. The procedure revealed a grave condition—three major blood vessels supplying blood to his heart were blocked. Two of these arteries were entirely obstructed.

To address the most recent blockage first, the doctors opted for an angioplasty, a less invasive procedure designed to expand narrowed or clogged arteries. A stent—a tiny mesh-like device—was inserted to hold the artery open and prevent future narrowing. This intervention successfully restored circulation to his heart muscle. Following the procedure, Mohit was shifted to the cardiac intensive care unit (ICU), where he eventually regained consciousness. Given the fragility of his condition, especially the strain on his heart and kidneys, doctors decided to postpone further procedures to clear the other blocked arteries until he stabilized.

Swift Recovery and Aftercare Plan

Mohit's recuperation surprised the medical team. Within a single day, he was able to breathe without the support of a ventilator. His medication for blood pressure was also adjusted and brought under control. After spending three days under close observation, he was discharged and allowed to return home. At present, he is on a dedicated cardiac care regimen and is preparing for the next procedure to address the remaining arterial blockages.

Neglecting the Signs: A Dangerous Oversight

Dr. Tarun Kumar later told the Indian Express that Mohit had ignored early warning signs for nearly two years. Every time he engaged in physical activity, particularly workouts, he experienced a dull ache in his left arm. Instead of investigating further, he assumed it was muscular discomfort from exercise. A similar pain occurred during a pilgrimage to Vaishno Devi, which he attributed to the strain of trekking. However, these sensations were not muscle pulls—they were signs of angina, a symptom caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. Compounding the issue was his undiagnosed hypertension. Dr. Kumar emphasized that early screening and medical consultation could have prevented Mohit from descending into such a critical state.

Don't Ignore These Symptoms

Health experts consistently warn against overlooking particular symptoms. Discomfort or pain in the upper left arm, a burning sensation in the chest or throat, pain in the lower jaw, shortness of breath, and unusual fatigue should never be dismissed. These could signal underlying cardiac problems that demand immediate evaluation.

Understanding Heart Block: A Disrupted Electrical Signal

According to the Cleveland Clinic, a heart block is a disorder that interrupts the normal transmission of electrical signals within the heart. Under typical conditions, these electrical impulses move from the upper heart chambers (atria) to the lower chambers (ventricles) through the atrioventricular (AV) node—a crucial bundle of specialized cells. In individuals with heart block, this electrical connection fails partially or completely, preventing the heart from pumping effectively.

When the signal doesn't pass through as it should, the heart may either beat abnormally slowly or miss beats entirely, leading to compromised heart function.

Recognizing the Warning Signs of Heart Block

The symptoms of heart block can differ in intensity depending on how significantly the electrical conduction is impaired. Common indicators include:

• Chest discomfort
• Persistent fatigue
• Difficulty breathing
• Irregular heartbeat or palpitations
• Accelerated breathing
• Nausea
• Light-headedness
• Fainting episodes

Early diagnosis and treatment are vital for avoiding serious complications. As Mohit’s case illustrates, ignoring mild symptoms and avoiding routine health checks can have life-threatening consequences.