When singer KK, aka Krishnakumar Kunnath, passed away in Kolkata in May 2022, soon after an energetic live performance at the age of 53, it shocked the nation. To commemorate his 1996 Bollywood debut for 'Maachis' today, Google Doodle paid tribute to him, and he is trending with more than 500K search volume. On the fateful day, the 'Tadap Tadap' singer reportedly felt pain in his arms and severe fatigue even before the programme began. The organisers and his band said he complained of 'feeling heavy' during the concert, too, and was seen sweating profusely during the show.
He collapsed in his hotel after the show and was rushed to hospital, where he was declared dead. Initially, doctors said he passed away due to a massive cardiac arrest. However, a post-mortem revealed that he had severe lung and liver conditions, and he even had prolonged, pre-existing cardiac issues. 'Hypoxia,' following Acute Cardiogenic Pulmonary Oedema, due to a pathological cardiac condition associated with subarachnoid haemorrhage' was mentioned as the cause of his death on his post-mortem report.
What is Hypoxia that took KK's life?
In simple terms, hypoxia means the body, or a certain part of it, is not getting sufficient oxygen. According to the Cleveland Clinic, 'Any condition that reduces the amount of oxygen in your blood flow can cause hypoxia.' Those who have existing lung diseases like COPD, asthma or emphysema can be at risk for hypoxia. Even COVID-19, influenza and pneumonia infections can put you at risk of hypoxia.
In KK's case, the post-mortem report explains that his heart wasn't pumping well, which was causing a build-up of fluids in his lungs, which made it harder for him to breathe, resulting in hypoxia.
Symptoms of hypoxia
Depending on the severity of the health condition that causes hypoxia, it can show various symptoms. A few of them are:
1) Headache
2) Rapid heart rate
3) Difficulty in breathing
4) Shortness of breath
5) Restlessness
6) Confusion
7) Anxiety
8) Bluish skin
9) Slow heart rate
10) Extreme restlessness