Mumbai: A fascinating yet alarming trend has emerged among young adults in Mumbai—an increase in cardiac CT scans following the untimely deaths of young celebrities from heart-related issues.

This trend comes against the backdrop of a worrying statistic: the Indian Heart Association reports that a staggering 50% of heart attacks in India occur in men under the age of 50.

The recent death of Rohan Mirchandani, a beloved entrepreneur, at just 42 years old has further fueled this panic and prompted many to seek immediate medical insights into their heart health.

Increased Demand for Cardiac Scans

In a bid to combat rising fears of undiagnosed cardiac problems, professionals in the medical field are observing that when a young celebrity dies, anxious individuals rush to hospitals for cardiac CT scans to rule out any potential heart concerns.

Recently, a trauma specialist—which is tellingly emblematic of this trend—underwent a cardiac CT angiography after his 46-year-old colleague's death due to a heart attack. "Given my family history, I felt compelled to get the scan after the news. Thankfully, the results were clear," he shared.

What is a Cardiac CT Scan?

So, what exactly is a cardiac CT scan? This non-invasive, quick test assesses blockages, arterial narrowing, and the heart's overall function.

While there are no consolidated statistics revealed from hospitals regarding the uptick in scans, many cardiologists and radiologists have cited anecdotal evidence suggesting that when a celebrity dies, the demand for such scans spikes astronomically—often dwarfing the requests made following the death of an unknown person.

Healthcare Professionals Weigh In

The implications of this trend raise critical questions among healthcare professionals.

Cardiologists argue that prescriptions for cardiac CT scans should be mandatory to ensure that patients are not exposed to unnecessary radiation and repeat tests.

On the other hand, radiologists assert that while they discourage overreliance on CT angiography, they can perform scans without a cardiologist’s directive if the patient is insistent.

The Disturbing Rise of Heart Attacks in Young Adults

The alarming rise in heart attacks among younger individuals has been off the charts, with experts like Dr. Prince Surana noting that nearly 38% of the 2,593 angioplasties performed at his hospital from 2022 to 2024 were on patients under the age of 50.

This spike is mirrored at other facilities, with Dr. Sandeep Gore revealing that 20% of heart attack patients in his emergency room were under 45 years old.

Factors such as smoking, stress, and poor lifestyle habits have been identified as contributing significantly to the crisis among this demographic.

Dr. Prashant Pawar, a leading cardiologist, also notes that the trend is notably pronounced this year, highlighting the rising demand for cardiac CT scans as people become increasingly health-conscious or alert to potential genetic predispositions to heart diseases.

The cost of such a scan ranges from Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000, a price many are willing to pay for peace of mind.

Treading Carefully Amidst Anxiety

Despite the growing trend towards cardiac imaging, both cardiologists and radiologists are issuing warnings about the misuse of CT scans.

Exposure to the radiation from multiple scans could heighten the risk of cancer, raising alarm bells for health practitioners.

One cardiologist shared the harrowing tale of a 72-year-old patient who underwent unnecessary angiography, later suffering dangerous complications—a dire reminder of the risks involved.

While some patients may opt for a scan based on informal advice from friends or family, it's clear that consulting with a cardiologist beforehand could mitigate some of the hazards associated with unnecessary procedures.

Final Thoughts: Stay Informed and Cautious

This genuine concern for personal health is understandable, but the excessive reliance on cardiac CT scans, especially following high-profile celebrity deaths, calls for thoughtful considerations and professional guidance.

As the medical community continues to decipher these trends, staying informed and cautious is essential for maintaining heart health without unnecessary panic.

Could the rush to cardiac screening among young adults be a wake-up call for broader awareness regarding heart health? Only time will tell.