Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy hospitalised in Bengaluru after nose starts bleeding at press meet

Bengaluru: Union Minister of Heavy Industries and Steel H D Kumaraswamy was taken to hospital after he started bleeding from the nose while addressing a press conference here on Sunday.

He was speaking to news media on the opposition BJP-JDS alliance's plans for a padayatra (foot march) from Bengaluru to Mysuru scheduled for Monday when the nosebleed began.

He used a hand towel to stop the bleeding but that didn't help much. He stepped back, prompting BJP veteran BS Yediyurappa to move forward and continue speaking to the media.

Kumaraswamy quickly got into a waiting car and was taken to Apollo Hospitals in Jayanagar. By the time he reached the hospital, the nosebleed had stopped. ENT doctors subsequently examined him. He was treated for nearly four hours and was later discharged.

"Due to work stress, I sometimes experience nosebleeds. Doctors have advised me rest," he told reporters near the hospital. He added that his health had not completely deteriorated and there was no need for anyone to worry.

According to Kumaraswamy, he has undergone heart valve replacement three times and is taking medication. "This happened due to stress and working without a break... Doctors have advised me to reduce stress," he said.

Dr CN Manjunath, Bangalore Rural MP and Kumaraswamy's brother-in-law, said: "Kumaraswamy was advised to take blood thinners twice a day. It (the nosebleed) may have occurred because of the medication. He has experienced it in the past, too. ENT doctors have examined him, and everything is normal."

Dr Manjunath, who is also a renowned cardiologist, said too much of air travel when the nose gets dried might have also contributed.

Although doctors have advised Kumaraswamy to rest, sources said he would be flying to Delhi on Monday morning.