By Bulletin Times 
When the Beat Stops: Rohan Mirchandani CEO of Epigamia, and Understanding Sudden Cardiac Arrest in Your 40s
The sudden passing of Rohan Mirchandani, CEO of Epigamia, due to cardiac arrest, has sent shockwaves through corporate circles and beyond. A vibrant leader, gone too soon, leaving behind a question that haunts many: How can a seemingly healthy individual in their prime succumb to a silent killer like sudden cardiac arrest (SCA)?
This tragic event has sparked conversations about stress, lifestyle, and the often-overlooked health risks lurking in our 40s. For Indians, who are genetically predisposed to heart disease and grapple with conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and obesity, this is more than a wake-up call — it’s an alarm ringing loud and clear.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest vs. Heart Attack: A Thin Yet Crucial Line
To understand SCA, one must first separate it from a heart attack. A heart attack occurs when arteries are blocked, restricting blood flow to the heart. Sudden cardiac arrest, however, is an electrical malfunction that disrupts the heart’s rhythm, often causing it to stop abruptly. The two are distinct yet intertwined — a severe heart attack can destabilize the heart’s electrical impulses, becoming a trigger for SCA.
What makes SCA so terrifying is its unpredictability. It strikes without warning, cutting off blood flow to vital organs within seconds. Without immediate medical intervention, survival rates are grim.
Why Are the 40s a Critical Decade?
The 40s often mark a turning point — a phase where stress peaks, sedentary habits take root, and undetected health issues begin to surface. For Indians, the risks are amplified. A staggering 80% of SCA cases in people over 40 are tied to coronary artery disease, often exacerbated by our genetic makeup and co-morbidities.
What’s even more alarming is that blockages as minor as 50-70% — undetectable by standard treadmill tests — can rupture under physical or emotional strain. This rupture causes blood clots that block arteries, potentially leading to a heart attack and, in some cases, triggering sudden cardiac arrest.
Stress: The Silent Saboteur
The corporate world thrives on deadlines and deliverables, but at what cost? Chronic stress, often dubbed the “silent saboteur,” fuels inflammation, raises blood pressure, and taxes the heart relentlessly. For high-achieving professionals juggling tight schedules and heavy responsibilities, stress is not just a companion — it’s a ticking time bomb.
What Can We Do?
While the risks are real, the solutions are within reach:
Annual Heart Health Check-ups: Don’t wait for symptoms. Early screening can detect issues before they escalate.
Active Lifestyle: Swap the boardroom for the gym or a morning run — a little movement goes a long way.
Mindful Stress Management: Practices like yoga, meditation, and even simple breathing exercises can reduce stress levels.
Balanced Diet: Ditch the processed foods for heart-healthy options like leafy greens, nuts, and omega-3-rich fish.
Know the Symptoms: Chest discomfort, dizziness, or shortness of breath should never be ignored.
The Bigger Picture
Rohan Mirchandani’s untimely death is not just a personal loss; it’s a collective lesson. In a world that celebrates hustle culture, we need to pause and prioritize our health. No achievement is worth the price of a heartbeat.
The truth is, sudden cardiac arrest isn’t just a medical issue — it’s a lifestyle epidemic. By making conscious choices today, we can protect our tomorrows. Because when the beat stops, everything else does too.