Rohan Mirchandani, 42 year old co-founder of Epigamia dies due to cardiac arrest

The death of 42 year old Rohan Mirchandani, the co-founder of yogurt brand Epigamia, has sent waves of shock and concern across the country. The young entrepreneur has died of cardiac arrest, a health condition uncommon in young people, but commonly seen these days.

News of Mirchandani's death has been confirmed by Drums Food International. "All of us at the Epigamia family will deeply mourn this loss. Rohan was our mentor, friend, and leader. We remain steadfast in our determination to carry forward his dream with strength and vigor. Rohan’s vision and values will continue to guide us as we work together to honor the foundation he built and ensure that his dream continues to flourish," Drums Food said in an official statement. A graduate of NYU Stern and The Wharton School, Rohan Mirchandani co-founded Drums Food International in 2013

What is cardiac arrest?

Cardiac arrest is a sudden, life-threatening condition where the heart stops beating effectively, disrupting blood flow to the brain and other vital organs. It occurs when the heart's electrical system malfunctions, often due to arrhythmias like ventricular fibrillation. Symptoms include sudden collapse, loss of consciousness, and absence of a pulse or breathing. Cardiac arrest differs from a heart attack, which involves blocked blood flow to the heart.

Cardiac arrest in young adults, though less common than in older populations, is a growing concern due to various underlying factors. One major cause is undiagnosed heart conditions, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a genetic disorder that thickens the heart muscle, leading to electrical instability. Other inherited arrhythmias like Long QT syndrome or Brugada syndrome can also predispose young individuals to sudden cardiac events. Often, these conditions remain undetected until a cardiac arrest occurs.

Another contributing factor is lifestyle and environmental triggers, such as intense physical exertion without adequate medical screening. Competitive sports, for example, can act as a trigger for those with undiagnosed cardiac conditions. Substance abuse, including recreational drugs like cocaine or excessive alcohol consumption, can induce arrhythmias and increase the risk of cardiac arrest.

Stress and lifestyle-related factors, including poor sleep, unhealthy diets, and chronic stress, may contribute to early onset of heart conditions. Additionally, unaddressed infections like myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) following viral illnesses can lead to cardiac complications.

Raising awareness about preventive measures, routine cardiac screening, and early detection of underlying conditions is essential to reduce the incidence of cardiac arrest among young adults. Immediate access to CPR and defibrillation is also crucial to improve survival rates.