For the average person, a bee sting is really nothing to be afraid of. Yes, bee stings can be irritating and itchy, but your life typically isn't under any threat.

But for people who are allergic to bees, a small sting could mean big problems.

If you've never been stung by a bee, you might not even realize you're allergic. And even if you do know, bee stings can be hard to avoid. And for Sunjay Kapur, it was nearly impossible after it flew into his mouth.

Sunjay Kapur Dies of Heart Attack

In Windsor, England during a polo match, Sunjay Kapur collasped after being stung by a bee in his mouth.

"I've swallowed something!" He shouted, and those would be his last words. After the sting, Kapur went into anaphylactic shock, which caused his heart to stop.

Sunjay Kapur was the chairman of global car parts company, Sona Comstar and a longtime friend of Prince William. He was 53 when he died.

What is Anaphylactic Shock?

Anaphylactic shock is a severe and sometimes life-threatening allergic reaction that can happen within seconds or minutes of exposure to an allergen — like a bee sting.

When someone goes into anaphylactic shock, their immune system releases a flood of chemicals that can send the body into crisis. This can cause your blood pressure to drop suddenly, your airways to tighten, and your breathing to be blocked. If not treated right away, it can lead to loss of consciousness, organ failure, and even cardiac arrest.

The symptoms often begin with hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, or nausea. But in some cases — like Sunjay Kapur’s — they escalate so quickly that the body doesn’t have time to recover. In Kapur’s case, the location of the sting may have made the reaction even more dangerous, as swelling can rapidly obstruct the airway and intensify the body’s shock response.

For anyone with a known severe allergy, carrying an epinephrine auto-injector, like an EpiPen, can be lifesaving. But the frightening truth is that anaphylaxis can also strike people who didn’t know they were allergic in the first place, making quick response absolutely critical.

How Bee Stings Can Affect Anyone's Heart

Even if you're not allergic to bees, their stings can still have an affect on your heart.

When a bee stings, it releases venom that can trigger a stress response in your body. This response causes your heart rate to spike, your blood vessels to narrow, and your blood pressure to rise. For most people, these changes are temporary. But if you have underlying heart issues, this sudden change can be dangerous.

In rare cases, bee venom can even cause a condition called Kounis syndrome, where the sting leads to a heart attack due to a sudden narrowing of the coronary arteries. This happens not because of an allergic reaction, but because the body releases certain chemicals that put your cardiovascular system under intense strain.

So while the sting might seem minor on the surface, your heart could be working overtime. If you ever feel chest tightness, shortness of breath, dizziness, or a racing heart after a sting, it’s worth getting checked out. Your heart could be telling you something important.

What to Do if You're Stung By a Bee

Most of the time, a bee sting isn’t cause for panic, but knowing what to do can make all the difference.

First, remove the stinger if it’s still in your skin. Use a clean fingernail or credit card to scrape it out. Don’t pinch it, or you can squeeze more venom in.

Then, wash the area with soap and water to prevent infection, and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Over-the-counter pain relievers or antihistamines can help with discomfort and itching.

Keep an eye on your symptoms and your heart rate. If your heart starts racing, you feel dizzy, or you experience chest tightness, it’s time to take it seriously. Don’t hesitate to call 911 or seek medical help.

If you know you’re allergic or have an EpiPen, use it immediately after a sting and go to the emergency room right away.

Your body may not always react the same way twice, so even a mild reaction now doesn’t guarantee the next one will be. Stay alert and listen to your body, especially your heart.