A senior advocate practicing before the Telangana High Court, Pasnooru Venugopal Rao, tragically passed away from a sudden cardiac arrest while presenting legal arguments on Tuesday.
The 66-year-old collapsed mid-submission at approximately 1:20 PM while addressing Justice Laxmi Narayana Alishetty. Witnesses observed that he appeared to experience sudden discomfort before losing consciousness.
Colleagues and fellow advocates immediately intervened, attempting to administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) before transporting him to Osmania Hospital.
Despite these efforts, medical professionals declared him deceased upon arrival. Telangana High Court Bar Association president A. Ravinder Reddy confirmed that although immediate resuscitative measures were undertaken, Rao could not be revived.
Rao, an esteemed legal practitioner since 1998, was widely respected within the legal fraternity. His unexpected demise has left the legal community in profound shock, highlighting concerns over health risks faced by professionals working under high-pressure conditions.
Parallels with Recent Cardiac Fatality in Karnataka
Rao’s sudden passing bears similarities to a recent cardiac fatality in Karnataka. In August 2024, Congress leader Ravi Chandran, aged 63, suffered a fatal heart attack while addressing a press conference at the Press Club of Bengaluru.
Chandran, who had convened the media briefing to express support for Chief Minister Siddaramaiah concerning the MUDA scam, collapsed mid-speech.
These incidents underscore the unpredictable nature of cardiovascular events, particularly among professionals operating in high-stress environments.
Understanding the Warning Signs of Cardiac Arrest
Cardiac arrests and heart attacks rarely occur without warning. Research indicates that nearly 45% of individuals exhibit symptoms weeks or even months before an acute cardiac event. Recognizing these early warning signs is crucial for timely medical intervention.
Common Precursor Symptoms:
– Persistent chest discomfort or pain (the most commonly reported symptom)
– Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing
– Unexplained fatigue or general weakness
– Excessive sweating and episodes of dizziness
– Swelling in the lower extremities, such as the legs and feet
Women may experience more subtle indicators, including nausea, indigestion, or back pain, which can sometimes lead to misdiagnosis or delayed medical attention. Studies reveal that more than half of heart attack patients report experiencing symptoms at least 48 hours before the event.
A Call for Preventive Health Awareness
The untimely deaths of Pasnooru Venugopal Rao and Ravi Chandran serve as stark reminders of the silent yet significant risk of cardiovascular disease. Medical experts emphasize the necessity of regular health check-ups, heightened awareness of warning signs, and immediate medical attention at the first indication of distress.
Proactive monitoring and lifestyle modifications remain critical in mitigating the risk of sudden cardiac events, particularly among individuals in high-stress professions.
These tragedies underscore the imperative need for workplace wellness programs, stress management strategies, and accessible healthcare support for professionals working in high-pressure environments.
Ensuring early detection and timely intervention can significantly reduce the incidence of preventable cardiac fatalities.
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