Bee sting caused Karisma Kapoor's ex-husband Sunjay Kapur's death? When bees can trigger a heart attack

Time of India

18 hours ago

In a tragic and startling incident,
Sunjay Kapur
— the Indian automotive tycoon and Chairman of Sona Comstar — passed away in England during a polo match, reportedly after swallowing a bee. He was in his 50s. Kapur, also known as the former husband of Bollywood actress
Karisma Kapoor
, suffered a
heart attack
following the incident, according to business consultant Suhel Seth, who confirmed his demise to ANI. The cardiac arrest, which was reportedly caused by the
bee sting
, might have triggered a wave of curiosity, with over 2 lakh searches for "Sunjay Kapur" recorded in the past 14 hours on Google Trends.
The alarming detail is that a bee sting may have played a role in the cardiac event, raising an important question: Can swallowing a bee really cause a heart attack?
What happens to the body during a bee sting?
According to a report by the University of Melbourne, bees have a venom sac and a barbed stinger that act as defence mechanisms when they feel threatened. Once a bee stings, it injects venom into the skin, often leaving behind the stinger. This venom is a potent mixture of proteins and molecules that can cause pain, swelling, itching, and irritation in most people.
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While a single sting generally results in minor local effects, some individuals develop severe allergic reactions to the venom, leading to a condition known as
anaphylaxis
— a potentially life-threatening immune response. The report notes that it is not the venom alone but the body's allergic overreaction that typically causes serious complications like life-threatening issues and hospitalisation.
Could swallowing a bee trigger a heart attack?
Swallowing a bee might seem like an unlikely hazard, but experts say it's not unheard of, especially during outdoor summer activities. Dr. Bobbi Pritt, a microbiologist and pathologist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, explains that while most bugs are digested without issue, insects capable of stinging or biting, such as bees, wasps, and fire ants, pose significant risks if swallowed.
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Ingesting such insects could lead to internal stings, for example, in the throat, triggering allergic reactions that escalate quickly. For individuals with allergies, this can cause hives, facial and throat swelling, breathing difficulty, and even sudden cardiac arrest if not treated promptly. Dr. Pritt warns that in such cases, the absence of immediate intervention, like an epinephrine injection, can prove fatal.
First aid for a bee sting
Bee stings typically result in the bee leaving its stinger behind. The reports of the University of Melbourne advise removing the sting within 30 seconds to reduce venom exposure. The most effective method is to scrape it off using a firm edge, such as a credit card or a fingernail. Applying a cold pack may relieve pain and swelling for mild reactions. However, if stung near the throat or if symptoms such as dizziness, wheezing, or difficulty breathing occur, immediate medical attention is essential.
About Sunjay Kapur
Sunjay Kapur was married to Karisma Kapoor from 2003 until their divorce was finalised in 2016. The couple had two children together: Samaira, born in 2005, and Kiaan, born in 2011. He later married Priya Sachdev, who has had a brief stint in Bollywood. He is survived by his wife, Priya and their son Azarias.