Meerut has witnessed several disturbing incidents linked to online gaming in recent times. Adding to these concerns is the death of 22-year-old Mohammad Kaif, whose condition deteriorated while he was playing the online game PUBG, raising fresh questions about the health risks associated with excessive gaming.
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Kaif was a resident of Khyernagar in Meerut, and his father is a real estate businessman. According to sources, the incident took place on Friday morning while Kaif was sitting in his father’s office and playing PUBG with headphones on.
Youth collapses while playing PUBG, dies after ICU treatment
Eyewitnesses said that Kaif suddenly fell from his chair and lost consciousness while playing the game. He was immediately rushed to a local nursing home in Meerut. Doctors who examined him found that his blood pressure had risen beyond 300. Due to the sudden spike, internal bleeding began in his brain.
Considering the seriousness of his condition, Kaif was referred to Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi. Despite being treated in the ICU for two days, his condition did not improve. He died on Sunday due to a brain haemorrhage.
Doctors warn of health risks linked to online gaming addiction
Doctors stated that while playing intense online games, excessive secretion of adrenaline occurs, leading to heightened mental stress. This can cause a sudden and significant rise in blood pressure. They also believe that the use of noise-cancelling headphones may further worsen the situation.
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Family members claimed that Kaif was severely addicted to mobile gaming and social media. He often stayed up late at night playing online games and making reels and did not stop despite repeated warnings from his family.
Neurologists have referred to such incidents as "Sudden Gamer Death". According to medical experts, addiction to online games and reels, lack of adequate sleep, and increased mental stress are contributing to a growing risk of such fatalities, especially among young people.