Today: 4 September 2025
4 September 2025
2 mins read

Cardiac Surgeon, 39, Dies of Heart Attack During Hospital Rounds  

The surgeon leaves behind his wife and a young son. Colleagues and medical professionals across India have expressed their grief and concern, while the tragedy has reignited debate over the pressures faced by healthcare workers

A 39-year-old cardiac surgeon died of a sudden heart attack on Wednesday while conducting his routine morning ward rounds at Saveetha Medical Hospital in Chennai. The doctor, identified as Dr Gradlin Roy, collapsed unexpectedly in front of colleagues and patients, despite immediate and prolonged efforts to revive him.

Fellow doctors at the hospital rushed to his aid, initiating a series of emergency procedures in an attempt to save his life. Dr Sudhir Kumar, a Hyderabad-based neurologist who later shared details of the incident on social media, explained that the medical team spared no effort. “Colleagues fought valiantly — CPR, urgent angioplasty with stenting, intra-aortic balloon pump, even ECMO. But nothing could reverse the damage from a massive cardiac arrest due to a 100% left main artery blockage,” he wrote.

Dr Roy’s sudden death has shocked the medical community and drawn attention to an unsettling pattern: the rising incidence of cardiac events among young doctors in their 30s and 40s. Dr Kumar described the irony as “stark”, noting that those devoted to protecting patients’ hearts often fail to prioritise their own.

The surgeon leaves behind his wife and a young son. Colleagues and medical professionals across India have expressed their grief and concern, while the tragedy has reignited debate over the pressures faced by healthcare workers.

According to Dr Kumar, a combination of lifestyle and occupational factors contributes to doctors’ heightened vulnerability. Stress, sedentary habits, erratic schedules and poor dietary choices all play a role. He highlighted the impact of long working hours, frequent night shifts and chronic sleep deprivation, which disrupt circadian rhythms and increase cardiovascular strain.

Doctors, he added, face intense decision fatigue and relentless pressures from patients, families and medicolegal obligations. Many spend long hours standing in operating theatres or seated in clinics, with little opportunity for regular physical activity. In addition, irregular meals, dependence on canteen food and heavy reliance on caffeine are common features of hospital life.

“Many doctors neglect preventive care by postponing their own health check-ups and ignoring early warning signs,” Dr Kumar observed. The psychological toll is also severe, with burnout, depression and emotional exhaustion contributing further to heart disease risk. In some cases, smoking and alcohol consumption exacerbate the danger.

The incident echoes concerns raised by senior cardiac surgeon Dr V.V. Bashi, who has warned of a surge in sudden cardiac deaths among young Indians. He pointed to early-onset diabetes, rising obesity, high-fat diets and uncontrolled hypertension as key drivers, alongside increasingly sedentary lifestyles.

Dr Bashi also cautioned against assuming fitness offers immunity. Several cases in recent months have seen seemingly healthy individuals collapse during workouts at gyms. He attributed these tragedies to hidden cardiac conditions, overexertion and the dismissal of early warning signs such as fatigue, breathlessness or mild chest discomfort.

Dr Roy’s death has not only left a personal void for his family but also sparked renewed calls for doctors to safeguard their own health with the same vigilance they extend to their patients.

Previous Story

Al Zeer clinches UAE President’s Cup glory

Latest from Health

Train ASHAs, Save Babies

Speaking to IANS, Dr. Rahul UR, State Nodal Officer – Child Health and Rare Diseases, National Health Mission, Kerala, explained that understanding the disease’s natural course is essential Training India’s network of

WHO Warns of Escalating Cholera Threat

Recent figures highlight the growing threat. In 2023, WHO recorded 535,321 cases and 4,007 deaths across 45 countries. However, the true toll is likely higher, with weak surveillance systems and fears of trade

Make your healthy summer journey tasty

As India experiences the peak of summer, keeping cool and hydrated is a top priority. One delicious and refreshing way to beat the heat while staying healthy is by incorporating cold salads

Heart Patients Need Key Vaccines

Data shows that while vaccines significantly reduce illness severity, complications, and mortality, many heart patients remain unprotected Adults living with cardiovascular disease should be prioritised for vaccination against a range of communicable

Sweet Traditions Mark Janmashtami

Krishna Janmashtami, the joyous festival marking the birth of Lord Krishna, is one of the most cherished celebrations across India and beyond. Falling in the month of Bhadrapada (August–September) on the Ashtami tithi
Go toTop

Don't Miss

CSK’s Super Kings Academy launched in Chennai

Meanwhile, Hussey mentioned that it is a great opportunity for

ICG on alert as Portuguese ship spills oil 450 km off Chennai

The Coast Guard said that it had received information from