
How silent heart attacks are killing ‘seemingly fit' Indians
Lata Mishra
TIMESOFINDIA.COM
May 26, 2025, 16:15 IST IST
A Mumbai doctor with no prior health issues died suddenly just a day after turning 50. He died in his hospital despite receiving help, including an all-clear ECG. His tragic death highlights a rising trend: silent heart attacks
On May 6, just a day after celebrating his 50th birthday, Dr Amol Manerkar — a respected physician and founder of Disha and Pancholi Nursing Homes in Mumbai — collapsed in the hospital he built and died of a sudden, massive heart attack .

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Time of India
13 hours ago
- Time of India
Run, workout, repeat: Hyrox is taking Indian fitness by storm
Representative image/iStock Hyrox, a new global race format that's gaining popularity in India, is bringing people together through a mix of running and functional workouts. It's not just about competition, it's about pushing yourself and being part of a high-energy, supportive community. Unlike other competitive fitness trends, Hyrox offers participants with diverse and exciting challenges. We spoke to a few 'hyroxers' who share their experience. WHAT IS IT It is a global fitness race format that blends endurance running with functional strength workouts. The format includes eight rounds of a kilometre runs, with each round followed by a different workout station such as sled push, sled pull, burpee broad jumps, rowing, and sandbag lunges. Indians now seek more than a gym routine. They want purpose, performance, and community, all of which are offered by Hyrox. It's structured, goal-driven, and lets you compete with yourself while being part of something bigger. That's what makes it so appealing to the new-age Indian fitness crowd Dr Vajalla Shravani, fitness consultant & founder, fitness studio BENEFITS Builds full-body strength, endurance, and mobility Boosts mental resilience through high intensity training Mimics real-life movements, reducing injury risk Standardised format allows global performance tracking Multiple categories make it accessible for all fitness levels Encourages consistency, accountability and long-term commitment – Vajalla Shravani, fitness consultant & founder, fitness studio 'It's mentally challenging' Tarun Walecha (54), an architect and fitness enthusiast, is gearing up for an upcoming Hyrox race after previously attending to support friends. He says, 'The format of the race is completely different, intense and challenging because you run a kilometre and then do one exercise and you repeat this for eight times. So it is like you are restarting after every run and exercise which is exciting.' As for his diet to support his preparation for the race, he says, 'Since I am into fitness, I don't have to make drastic changes but focus on muscle gain through higher protein and calorie intake. I avoid fried food, excess carbs and sugar.' Preparing for Hyrox requires a diet that supports both endurance and strength gains. Consume complex carbs for sustained energy, 1.4-1.6 gm protein per kg body weight to build and repair muscle and healthy fats for stamina and joint health. Include electrolytes or a low-sugar electrolyte drink to prevent cramping and maintain performance Shalu Nijhawan, holistic nutritionist & health coach 'It is very addictive' Abhishek Jain (29), a market researcher and analyst, competed in Hyrox this May and is set to participate again in September. He says, 'Unlike other fitness challenges, Hyrox keeps you on your toes. You have to train in a way that prepares you for everything. It throws a workout at you after every kilometre. Crossing the finish line is surreal. You feel like you have achieved something you didn't know you could. Hyrox is very addictive. Once you do it, you feel like participating again to better yourself.' 'The cheering crowd motivated me to push myself' Anushka Purohit (25), an entrepreneur, loves Hyrox for its strong community spirit. 'Everyone comes together in the same arena, not to compete against each other, but to push themselves. The music, volunteers, and constant cheering create an uplifting atmosphere that pushes you even when you're struggling,' she says. With no specific training, she relied on her regular six-day workout routine, where her coaches added Hyrox-style drills. For her, the race is a test of resilience and mindset. 'Though I didn't follow a strict training plan, I did take part in Hyrox simulations, which really helped on race day. The key is to have an attitude that doesn't let you give up… Just keep going. That way, you'll not only enjoy the race but also feel the pride of accomplishing something great,' says Abhishek Jain, a Hyrox participant. WHO SHOULD TRY IT Gym-goers looking for a challenge Functional fitness enthusiasts, cross fitters and obstacle course racers Runners, cyclists or swimmers wanting to build strength and overall athleticism Beginners who want to start with fun, goal-oriented fitness WHO SHOULD AVOID IT Individuals with unmanaged cardiac and respiratory conditions Those recovering from recent joint surgeries or injuries Pregnant women (unless cleared for high-intensity activity) Those with chronic conditions must consult a physician before participating Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Happy Krishna Janmashtami Wishes, , messages , and quotes !


Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Hindustan Times
Make presumed consent the standard for organ donations
Make presumed consent the standard for organ donations To donate one's organs so that others may live is perhaps the noblest legacy one can leave. (ANI Photo) In the last decade, India has made bold strides in health care. Yet when it comes to organ transplantation, unfortunately, a silent crisis continues to claim thousands of lives. Organ Donation Day, which fell earlier this week, was yet another reminder for us to take action to urgently address the need for organ donation on a larger scale. Nearly half-a-million Indians die every year waiting for a life-saving transplant due to the unavailability of organs. We have the medical expertise, and what we need now is a collective will at a national level to bridge the gap between organ supply and demand. The gap between patients' needs and organ availability and transplantation in India shows the need for urgent change. Around 200,000 patients with end-stage kidney disease, 50,000 patients with severe liver failure, and 50,000 patients with severe heart disease require a transplant to save their lives. Against this, only around 1,600 kidneys, 700 livers, and 300 hearts are transplanted each year. Every day, at least 15 patients die waiting for an organ. Every 10 minutes, a new name is added to the transplant waiting list, each life hanging in the balance. Fewer than 5% of patients with end-stage kidney disease receive a life-saving kidney transplant. The situation for heart and lung patients is even more dire. Despite our world-class transplant surgeons, India's organ donation rate remains among the lowest in the world — only 0.65 donors per million population. By contrast, countries like Spain and Croatia have donation rates of over 30 per million. This disparity shows that the shortage of organs in India is not just a medical limitation but also a societal and policy challenge. Organ donation is the ultimate act of humanity. One donor can save up to eight lives by donating their heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, pancreas, and tissues. To donate one's organs so that others may live is perhaps the noblest legacy one can leave. The story of Sanjay Kandasamy is a reminder of what is possible. In 1998, as a 20-month-old infant with end-stage liver failure, he underwent a liver transplant at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals. His father donated a portion of his liver. Today, Sanjay is a practising doctor saving lives. This is not just a story of science but is a story of second chances, of renewal, and of life itself. A persistent challenge is that families often refuse to give consent for organ donation, even when it aligns with the donor's own wishes. This has to change with awareness campaigns and policy changes. It is critical to have compassionate communication with the potential donor's family to reduce the refusal rate for organ donation. One bold policy step would be adopting a 'presumed consent' system for organ donation, as countries such as Singapore, Croatia, Spain, and others in Europe have done. Under presumed consent, every adult is presumed to be an organ donor after death, irrespective of their relatives' decision, unless they have explicitly registered their decision not to be. In Europe, the presumed consent policy has been found to have a positive impact on donation rates, with an increase in organ donations and willingness to donate organs. The time has come when we must no longer allow our people to die for want of an organ. The gift of life must become a national priority, and with the right collective action, we can step into a future where every Indian who needs a transplant has a real chance to receive one. Prathap C Reddy is founder-chairman, Apollo Hospitals Group. The views expressed are personal.
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Business Standard
a day ago
- Business Standard
Vitamin D toxicity: Excess levels can cause kidney stones, heart problems
Vitamin D, often called the 'sunshine vitamin', is vital for bone strength, immunity, and overall health. According to a study by the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER), published earlier this year, one in five Indians is Vitamin-D deficient. While deficiency can cause its own set of problems, experts share that too much vitamin D can lead to dangerous effects on the kidneys and heart. "Vitamin D is very important for health, but like many things in medicine, it can cause problems if too much is taken. I have had numerous patients who were simply taking more Vitamin D than their body required and ended up with significant heart and kidney problems," said Dr Syed Mustafa Ashraf, Senior Consultant internal Medicine, CARE Hospitals. When vitamin D turns harmful "You won't get toxic levels from sunlight or diet. The risk comes with taking too many supplements over time. In numbers, we usually start worrying when 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels go beyond about 100–150 ng/mL," informed Dr Anirban Chattopadhyay, critical care specialist at The Calcutta Medical Research Institute (CMRI). "Repeated readings with levels greater than 100 ng/mL can increase the risk of hypercalcemia and related disease," added Dr Haresh Mehta, DNB (Cardiology), MD (Internal Medicine) at Lilavati Hospital, Mumbai Self-prescribing mega-doses or taking potent capsules without testing is a common cause. Online products with inaccurate labelling can also lead to accidental overdose. "People hear about the benefits, start high-dose tablets on their own, and keep going for months without checking their levels. It's even riskier if they're also on calcium tablets, or if they have kidney problems, because the kidneys can't clear the excess efficiently," explained Dr Chattopadhyay. How excess vitamin D affects kidneys and heart "Evidence suggests that dietary vitamin D may be carried by lipoprotein particles and enter artery wall cells and atherosclerotic plaque, and may be converted to its active form by monocycle-macrophages. The resulting active form raises the question of the role of vitamin D intake on atherosclerotic calcification (calcium deposits within the arterial walls) and whether it would raise cardiovascular risk with increased vascular calcification. Any excess vitamin D can also elevate blood calcium concentrations (hypercalcemia) and be arrhythmic to the heart," said Dr Sandeep Patil, Chief Intensivist at Fortis Hospital, Kalyan. "In the case of excess calcium for the kidney, this means the kidneys need to filter the excess calcium, excrete it, and can lead to kidney stones, calcium accumulation in the kidney tissue (nephrocalcinosis), and acute kidney injury," he further added. Signs you might have excessive vitamin D The main driver of symptoms is hypercalcaemia, which means that there is excess calcium in the blood. This can trigger: Nausea, vomiting, constipation, or abdominal pain Extreme thirst and frequent urination Confusion, headaches, or unusual tiredness Muscle weakness and bone pain Irregular heartbeat or high blood pressure How much vitamin D is safe? Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin required for the regulation of calcium and phosphorus. "It allows for the mineralization of the bone, the functioning of muscles, immune function, and the conduction of nerves. Adequate levels prevent rickets in children and osteomalacia or osteoporosis in adults. It also plays a part in the inhibition of inflammation and the regulation of cell growth," explained Dr Mehta. Dr Patil shared the recommended daily intake - Age 19 to 50: 600 IU/day Age 50 to 70: at least 600 IU/day Over 70: at least 800 IU/day The maximum suggested daily limit for healthy adults is 4,000 IU/day. However, toxicity can occur in susceptible individuals with as little as 2,000 IU/day. Treatment and prevention Dr Ashraf shared that the treatment for vitamin D toxicity usually involves: Stopping all vitamin D and calcium supplements until advised. Administering IV fluids to address dehydration. Using medications like corticosteroids and bisphosphonates in severe cases to block bone resorption. In rare instances with significant kidney damage, hemodialysis may be required. Talking about the right way to take vitamin D supplements, Dr Mickey Mehta, global holistic health guru, said, 'Without magnesium, Vitamin D3 remains inactive. Magnesium-rich foods like nuts, seeds, and leafy greens, along with Vitamin K2 from fermented foods or ghee, create essential harmony for the nutrients to be absorbed optimally. K2 directs calcium to bones and away from arteries, preventing calcification. Magnesium, Vitamin D3, and K2 work synergistically, so isolated supplementation can cause imbalance.' Knowing your safe limit, watching for warning signs, and getting medical advice before making major changes can protect both your heart and kidneys.