New Delhi, 24 July 2025: WWE legend Hulk Hogan has died at the age of 71 due to a sudden cardiac arrest, sending shockwaves through fans around the world. Known for his larger-than-life personality, immense strength, and charisma inside the ring, Hogan had become a symbol of professional wrestling for decades. His unexpected death brings the spotlight once again to cardiac arrest—a silent and sudden killer that particularly affects men above the age of 40. What exactly causes cardiac arrest in men, and how can it be prevented?
What is Cardiac Arrest? Unlike a heart attack, which is caused by blocked blood flow, cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating due to a malfunction in its electrical system. This disrupts the pumping action, preventing blood from reaching the brain and other organs, and often causes collapse and loss of consciousness within seconds. Without immediate medical attention, it can be fatal.
Coronary Artery Disease – The Leading Cause in Men The most common trigger of cardiac arrest in men is coronary artery disease. This condition results from plaque buildup in the arteries, which restricts blood flow to the heart. Men are at a higher risk due to factors like smoking, poor diet, lack of exercise, and unmanaged high blood pressure or cholesterol.
Undiagnosed Heart Conditions – The Silent Triggers Many men are unaware they suffer from genetic or structural heart abnormalities, like cardiomyopathy or arrhythmias such as ventricular fibrillation. These can silently increase the risk of sudden cardiac arrest without any obvious warning signs until it’s too late.
Age-Related Heart Muscle Weakening After the age of 60, the heart muscles often become less efficient, especially if not supported by a healthy lifestyle. Men above 70, like Hulk Hogan, are particularly vulnerable as the cumulative effects of aging, stress, and previous heart damage may weaken the heart’s ability to function during stressful situations.
Lifestyle-Related Triggers Including Obesity and Smoking Smoking and excess weight significantly raise the chances of developing heart rhythm disorders. Obesity, in particular, puts extra pressure on the heart, leading to increased risk of atrial fibrillation and eventually sudden cardiac arrest. Long-term tobacco use damages blood vessels and lowers oxygen levels, further increasing cardiac strain.
Lack of Preventive Screenings in Men Men tend to ignore early symptoms like chest discomfort, shortness of breath, or fatigue, dismissing them as age-related. This delay in preventive screenings means many live with undetected high-risk factors, making sudden cardiac events more likely.
High-Intensity Workouts or Stress in Older Men While physical activity is essential, sudden extreme exertion or emotional stress can sometimes shock a vulnerable heart, especially if there are underlying issues. Sudden deaths in older athletes or fitness enthusiasts are often linked to undiagnosed arrhythmias or coronary artery disease.
Alcohol, Drugs, and Supplement Abuse Use of performance-enhancing drugs, anabolic steroids, or even certain over-the-counter supplements has been associated with cardiac arrhythmias. In some cases, the damage done years ago can show up as fatal cardiac events later in life.
How to Lower the Risk of Cardiac Arrest Regular heart health checkups, especially after the age of 40, are crucial for early detection. Managing blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels, adopting a heart-friendly diet, engaging in moderate regular exercise, and quitting smoking all play key roles. If you experience unexplained dizziness, palpitations, or breathlessness, never ignore it.
Hulk Hogan’s death reminds us that even the strongest and fittest men are not immune to sudden cardiac arrest. As fans mourn the loss of the wrestling icon, it’s also a wake-up call for men everywhere to pay closer attention to their heart health. A simple checkup today might save your life tomorrow.
