Prashant Tamang, who rose to fame as the winner of Indian Idol 3 and was praised for his role in Paatal Lok 2, passed away at the age of 43 following a cardiac arrest.
"He passed away this morning, around 9 am, due to cardiac arrest at his residence in Delhi. He was taken to the hospital by his family, but the doctors declared him dead on arrival. I'm shocked by his untimely demise. I spoke to him a few days ago and he was hale and hearty," said singer Mahesh Sewa.
Medical emergencies often seem sudden, but in many cases, our bodies give warning signs that can be detected days, weeks, or even months in advance.
We do not recognise these signals and mostly ignore, misunderstand, or brush them off as minor discomforts. The recent death of Prashant Tamang has once again drawn attention to how unpredictable medical emergencies can seem and why figuring out these signs seems crucial.
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Many life-threatening conditions, including heart problems, severe infections, and neurological events, may start with subtle symptoms that people often dismiss due to their busy work schedules, stress, or the assumption that they are immune to serious illness, considering their age.
Breathlessness, especially during rest or minimal activity, is a red flag that should never be ignored. Extreme fatigue is another important signal. While feeling tired after a long day is normal, persistent, unexplained exhaustion that does not get better with rest may indicate serious conditions that should be examined by an expert. Similarly, dizziness, fainting, or sudden weakness can point to problems as well.
"In cases of sudden death at a young age, whether due to cardiac arrest or stroke, symptoms are often present days to weeks earlier, but are dismissed as stress, acidity, or fatigue. Early cardiac warning signs may include new or unusual chest discomfort or heaviness, breathlessness, reduced exercise capacity, unexplained fatigue, palpitations, dizziness or fainting," said Dr Sudhir Kumar, a neurologist based in Hyderabad.
Changes in heart rhythm, such as palpitations, rapid heartbeat, or irregular pulses, are also important warning signs.
Regular health check-ups, managing stress, getting adequate sleep, and seeking medical advice early can significantly reduce risk. When symptoms feel unusual, persistent, or concerning, timely medical attention can make the difference.
For more information, consult a health expert.