Chennai Cardiac Surgeon Dies Of Cardiac Arrest During Rounds; Doctors Raise Alarm On Heart Health

A 39-year-old Chennai-based cardiac surgeon, Dr Gradlin Roy, died on Friday after collapsing during ward rounds. Despite immediate medical intervention, including CPR, urgent angioplasty with stenting, an intra-aortic balloon pump, and even ECMO support, doctors could not revive him.

Neurologist Highlights Alarming Trend

Neurologist Dr Sudhir Kumar broke the news on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “When the Healer Falls: A Wake-Up Call for Doctors’ Heart Health.”

He said Dr Roy suffered a massive cardiac arrest caused by a 100% blockage in the left main artery. Offering condolences, he added, “My heartfelt condolences. Om Shanti.”

Dr Kumar pointed out that medical practitioners face a higher risk of heart disease due to long and erratic working hours, unhealthy eating patterns, sedentary lifestyles, psychological burden, high stress levels, higher incidence of smoking and alcohol consumption, and neglect of preventive care.

He urged fellow doctors to prioritise lifestyle changes and to learn to say ‘No’ when overworked.

Highlighting the irony, Dr Kumar remarked, “Those who dedicate their lives to saving others’ hearts are often neglecting their own.”

He stressed that preventive care and work-life balance are critical to protecting doctors from such tragedies.

Concerns Rise on Social Media

The incident triggered widespread debate online. One user commented, “The sleep deprivation has started to trouble me as I’m a victim of it.”

Another asked, “When doctors have sleep deprivation, how are they able to do justice to patients? Pilots have compulsory rest time. Why can’t doctors have it?”

Responding, Dr Kumar warned that sleep-deprived doctors are prone to diagnostic and treatment errors.

“Many doctors, especially juniors, have no choice but to continue working despite exhaustion. Patients should refuse to seek treatment from sleep-deprived doctors,” he said.

Several others pointed out that lifestyle-related health risks extend beyond doctors.

One user noted, “The list of factors also applies to every single person who lives in cities. Stress and materialistic thinking cause not only cardiac arrest but also several other lifestyle-related illnesses.”

Also Read: Noise Of Mobile Videos In Delhi Metro: Passengers’ Comfortable Ride In Trouble