Bollywood Filmmaker Kuku Kohli Dies After Heart Attack in Mumbai

Bollywood filmmaker Kuku Kohli died on August 25 at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai, two days after being admitted with a heart attack. Despite receiving a coronary stent, his condition worsened, and he was declared dead at around 5 pm. Kohli was 77 and survived by his wife, actor Aruna Irani, and two children.

Kohli's death raises questions about how patients can die after a heart attack even if a stent opens blocked arteries. Dr. Sameer Bhate, Head of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery at Amrita Hospital, explained that while stents restore blood flow, they cannot reverse heart muscle damage already caused by the attack.

"A stent can open up a blocked coronary artery, but it cannot undo a heart attack that has already damaged the myocardium. This difference may account for why a patient can get worse despite technically successful angioplasty," said Dr. Bhate. He noted that permanent muscle damage occurs if the blockage lasts too long, and reopening the artery cannot revive dead heart tissue.

Severe heart muscle damage after a major heart attack can be life-threatening. If a large portion of the heart is affected before blood flow is restored, the heart may fail to pump effectively, leading to heart failure, cardiogenic shock, or dangerous electrical rhythm changes.

Dr. Ashish Jai Kishan, Senior Consultant at Fortis Escort Heart Institute, emphasized the importance of monitoring patients post-angioplasty. "The heart muscle may already have suffered damage, and patients can develop abnormal heart rhythms, reduced pumping function, recurrent blockage or other complications. This is why close monitoring during the early period after a heart attack and angioplasty is so important," he said.

He also highlighted that angioplasty and stenting address only part of coronary artery disease. "Risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, physical inactivity and an unhealthy diet can continue to damage the arteries even after a successful angioplasty," Dr. Kishan added.

Another risk is ventricular fibrillation, a life-threatening irregular heart rhythm that can cause sudden cardiac arrest even if the stented artery remains open, according to Dr. Bhate.

Rarely, a clot can form inside a coronary stent (stent thrombosis), potentially blocking blood flow again. Dr. Bhate warned, "Never stop taking antiplatelet medication without consulting your doctor," as these drugs prevent clot formation inside the stent.

Coronary artery disease usually affects multiple areas, not just the stented one. Other plaques may rupture and cause new blockages, requiring ongoing treatment beyond angioplasty.

After a heart attack, recovery involves more than reopening arteries. Doctors assess heart damage, function, rhythm, and risk factors to plan further care. Long-term prevention includes medications, cholesterol control, managing blood pressure and diabetes, quitting smoking, healthy diet, gradual exercise, and cardiac rehabilitation when advised.

Dr. Bhate summarized, "An open artery after a heart attack is a big win, but not a guarantee of safety." Outcomes depend on how quickly blood flow is restored, the extent of muscle damage, heart function, rhythm stability, and remaining artery disease.