Kounis Syndrome, first described in 1991, is a rare medical condition where an allergic reaction triggers a heart problem.
Published Jun 16, 2025 | 1:05 AM ⚊ Updated Jun 16, 2025 | 1:05 AM
Synopsis: Indian industrialist Sunjay Kapur died suddenly during a polo match in England on 12 June, with doctors now attributing the cause to Kounis syndrome – a rare condition in which an allergic reaction, triggered in his case by a bee sting to the throat, led to a fatal heart attack. The often underdiagnosed syndrome can be deadly without rapid, targeted treatment.
Sunjay Kapur, a prominent Indian industrialist and chairman of auto components giant Sona Comstar, died suddenly at the age of 53 during a polo match in England on 12 June.
Kapur, who was also known for his previous marriage to Bollywood actor Karisma Kapoor, reportedly collapsed on the field and could not be revived despite immediate medical attention.
While initial reports cited a heart attack as the cause of death, emerging details have pointed to an unusual and tragic trigger: Kapur had accidentally swallowed a bee during the game.
It is believed the insect stung him inside his throat, setting off a series of fatal medical events.
Medical experts now suspect that Kapur may have suffered from Kounis syndrome, a rare but serious condition in which an acute allergic reaction – such as one caused by a bee sting – leads to spasm or blockage in the coronary arteries.
This, in turn, can result in a heart attack. The syndrome is often underdiagnosed and can prove fatal if not identified and treated immediately.
“A rare case. Kounis syndrome. A severe allergic reaction leading to heart attack. Sunjay Kapur had a bee sting inside his throat when he swallowed it during a game of polo. It probably led to anaphylaxis, myocardial infarction, and cardiac arrest,” said Dr Deepak Krishnamurthy, Lead Consultant and Senior Interventional Cardiologist at KIMS Hospital in Bengaluru.
“Not all bee stings lead to anaphylaxis. Only some people have a tendency. If someone is predisposed to developing anaphylaxis, it doesn’t matter where on the body the sting occurs–even a sting inside the throat can be deadly,” Dr Krishnamurthy added.
Kounis Syndrome, first described in 1991, is a rare medical condition where an allergic reaction triggers a heart problem. In essence, it’s when your immune system’s overreaction to something – like a bee sting, a drug, or a food allergy – ends up affecting your heart.
Normally, allergies cause symptoms like hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing. But in Kounis Syndrome, the same allergic chemicals (like histamine) cause the blood vessels in the heart to tighten or spasm. This can reduce blood flow, leading to chest pain or even a heart attack.
Kounis Syndrome is important because it blends two systems – the immune and cardiovascular – and can be easily missed. It needs urgent treatment, both for the allergy and the heart symptoms.
In Sunjay Kapur’s case, doctors believe the bee sting inside his throat might have set off this rare chain reaction.
Medically, Kounis syndrome is classified as a form of acute coronary syndrome (ACS)–a term typically used for conditions like heart attacks–brought on by an allergic or hypersensitivity response. It is sometimes referred to as allergic angina or allergic myocardial infarction.
When a person is exposed to a trigger–such as an insect sting, drug, or food–the body’s immune system activates mast cells, which release chemicals including histamine and cytokines. These substances:
Patients may experience a mix of allergic and cardiac symptoms, including:
Kounis syndrome was once thought to be extremely rare, but it’s likely underdiagnosed. Cases have been reported in all age groups, though it is most common in adults.
Doctors look for a link between allergen exposure and symptoms of a heart attack. Tests include:
The syndrome is treatable but it is tricky because it must target both the allergy and the heart attack:
Prompt diagnosis and a multidisciplinary approach–involving allergists and cardiologists–is key to survival.
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
