Culture & Entertainment · India Bureau
UPSC Aspirant, 24, Survives Heart Attack from Stress, Smoking
A 24-year-old civil services examination candidate suffered a dual-vessel coronary artery disease, a condition traditionally seen in patients over 60 years old. Medical experts attribute the cardiac event to prolonged exam preparation, sleep deprivation, and cigarette use.
LSN India ·

A young UPSC aspirant's cardiac emergency has raised fresh concerns about the health toll of India's competitive civil services examination culture. The 24-year-old candidate experienced a heart attack caused by double-vessel coronary artery disease—a serious condition rarely documented in patients so young.
According to Dr. Sanjay, who treated the case, the patient had been preparing for the Union Public Service Commission examination for several years. The intensive study regimen contributed to chronic sleep deprivation and lifestyle stress, factors compounded by his regular smoking habit.
The incident highlights an emerging trend of premature cardiac events among young Indians pursuing demanding professional goals. Medical professionals have increasingly warned about the cardiovascular risks associated with prolonged mental stress, inadequate rest, and tobacco use among exam aspirants.
The case underscores the importance of balancing competitive ambitions with fundamental health practices. Experts recommend that aspirants maintain regular sleep schedules, exercise routines, and avoid smoking and other risk factors, regardless of academic pressures.
The patient reportedly recovered after timely medical intervention, serving as a cautionary reminder of health vulnerabilities even among younger populations facing sustained psychological strain.