From Shefali Jariwala To Sidharth Shukla: Young Celebrities Who Died Of Cardiac Arrest
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While the post-mortem report is still awaited, reports suggest that Shefali Jariwala collapsed on Friday night, possibly due to sudden cardiac arrest.
The untimely death of actor Shefali Jariwala, reportedly due to a heart attack, has once again brought national attention to the growing incidence of fatal cardiac events among healthy individuals in their early 30s and 40s.
While the post-mortem report is still awaited, reports suggest the 42-year-old collapsed on Friday night, possibly due to sudden cardiac arrest.
The sudden demise of Jariwala, widely known for her stint on Bigg Boss 13, left her fans stunned and reignited public fears around rising heart-related fatalities among younger age groups—a trend that's claimed the lives of several prominent figures in recent years.
Notably, heart disease was once considered a health issue mostly afflicting people above 60. But mounting deaths across the entertainment industry and other high-pressure professions suggest a worrying shift.
Experts link this trend to a mix of chronic stress, erratic sleep, poor diet, sedentary lifestyles, and undiagnosed underlying conditions.
Here are some other prominent personalities who lost their lives far too soon to sudden heart attacks or cardiac arrests:
Sidharth Shukla (1980–2021): The Bigg Boss 13 winner and popular TV actor died suddenly at 40 on September 2, 2021, due to cardiac arrest.
Puneeth Rajkumar (1975–2021): A beloved Kannada actor, he passed away at 46 following a heart attack on October 29, 2021.
Singer KK (1968–2022): The singer collapsed after a live concert in Kolkata on May 31, 2022, and died at 53 of a suspected heart attack.
Satish Kaushik (1956–2023): The veteran actor-director died at 66 due to a heart attack on March 9, 2023.
Chiranjeevi Sarja (1984–2020): The Kannada film star died at 35 on June 7, 2020, following a cardiac arrest.
Comedian Vivek (1961–2021): A Tamil cinema veteran, he died on April 17, 2021, at 59, after suffering cardiac arrest.
Madhubala (1933–1969): One of Indian cinema's earliest icons, she passed away at just 36 due to heart complications.
Sunjay Kapur (1971–2025): The businessman and social figure died of a heart attack at 53, adding to the growing list of mid-life cardiac fatalities.
These tragic losses continue to underline a stark reality: heart disease is no longer just a concern for the elderly. Health experts urge younger populations to prioritise routine checkups, stress management, physical activity, and early diagnosis to counter this alarming trend.
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NDTV
2 hours ago
- NDTV
Neurologist To NDTV On Shefali Jariwala Cause Of Death: "Glutathione May Result In Cardiac Issues, Epilepsy Can Lead To Sudden Death"
New Delhi: Following the news of actor-model Shefali Jariwala's untimely death, an old interview of her's has resurfaced in which she spoke about her long battle with epilepsy and how it affected her career. According to sources, Shefali Jariwala had been undergoing special treatment for the past five to six years to maintain a youthful appearance. The medicines used in the process mainly included Vitamin C and Glutathione. Dr Rahul Chawla, Consultant Neurologist, Institute of Brain and Spine has now shared his take and advice on the relationship between epilepsy and cardiac arrest and the use of Glutathione with its adverse effects. He told NDTV, "Regarding IV Glutathione and IV detoxifying drips, they are not guideline recommended. They have no high-quality evidence showing any effect. They do have their harmful adverse effects including cardiac conduction abnormalities, arrhythmia, and hypotension. There have been multiple case reports where patients have died after taking those IV detoxifying drips and probably sudden collapse or sudden hypotension was the reason behind those deaths. However, we cannot correlate any sudden cardiac death of a person with a history of having glutathione or detox drips." "One thing to be remembered is that any supplement that seems too good to be true and does not have RCT or Meta-analysis level of evidence, is not recommended by guidelines and has potential adverse effects, should not be used," concluded the Consultant Neurologist. Glutathione is a drug often used for skin fairness and detoxification. Doctors have stated that these medications do not have a direct impact on the heart, and are typically used for cosmetic enhancement only. As of now, the actual cause of death will be known only after the forensic and post-mortem reports are out. Shefali Jariwala had earlier opened up on her history with epilepsy which she had been suffering from since the age of 15. Medical professionals have said that SUDEP or Sudden Unexplained Death in a condition like Epilepsy is possible. It is rare, however can happen when it leads to fatal heart complications. In an earlier interview with The Times of India, Shefali revealed that she was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of 15. "I had an epilepsy seizure at the age of 15. I remember at that time I was under tremendous pressure to do well in my studies. Stress and anxiety can lead to seizures. It's interrelated; you could get a seizure due to depression and vice versa," she said. SUDEP happens at night when the patient is lying down, and may have a seizure- leading to a cardiac arrest. Patients who have epilepsy may have recurrent seizures and if not treated timely, such patients may die. It leads to instantaneous death and there are no chances of recovery. Shefali Jariwala reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest at her Mumbai residence late Friday. Parag Tyagi rushed her to the hospital, where doctors declared her dead on arrival. As of now, a post-mortem is done and the results are awaited to confirm the cause behind her death.
Economic Times
2 hours ago
- Economic Times
Shefali Jariwala's shocking death at 42: Apollo doctor explains why younger Indians are vulnerable to heart attacks and reveals silent symptoms
India's Silent But Deadly Epidemic Why Heart Problems Are Becoming Rampant Among Young? Hidden Hypertension and Elevated Cholesterol Levels Tobacco Use and E-Cigarettes Blood Sugar Imbalances and Insulin Dysfunction Chronic Psychological Strain and Irregular Sleep Patterns Physical Inactivity or Excessive Exercise Recreational Substance Abuse Autoimmune Conditions Inherited Cardiac Disorders Why Even 'Healthy' People May Be at Risk of Sudden Cardiac Arrest Inherited Cardiac Disorders Abnormal Development of Coronary Arteries Irregular Electrical Activity in the Heart Excessive Emotional or Physiological Stress Ongoing Low-Level Inflammation in the Body Metabolic Dysfunction Hidden Behind a Lean Frame Women May Experience Different Symptoms Nausea, indigestion and vomiting Fatigue. Dizziness. Pain in nec, shoulder or back. Mild chest pain. Cardiac Arrest Red Flags Never To Ignore iStock Have A Heart Healthy Diet iStock Is Heart Attack & Cardiac Arrest The Same? Fans of Shefali Jariwala were left in a state of shock after the news of the actress's death hit headlines. Jariwala, best known for the 2002 chartbuster 'Kaanta Laga', passed away at the age of 42 due to a massive cardiac arrest. As per a Times Of India report, Jariwala was rushed to the Bellevue Multispeciality Hospital by her husband Parag Tyagi, but was declared dead upon sudden demise has thrown light to India's silent but deadly epidemic - heart attacks in people younger than aging is a well-established factor that raises the likelihood of heart attacks—with men typically facing increased vulnerability after the age of 45 and women after 55—the idea that heart attacks only affect older adults is increasingly being challenged. Alarmingly, individuals in their 30s and 40s are not exempt from this life-threatening India, Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) tends to strike at a significantly earlier stage in life when compared to other global populations. According to medical experts, over half of the fatalities related to CAD in the Indian population are recorded in people younger than 50. This early onset of cardiac events is a troubling national health trend, with young adults bearing a surprising portion of the studies have observed that between 25% and 40% of patients suffering from acute myocardial infarction (commonly referred to as a heart attack) are under the age of 40. These figures underscore the alarming presence of cardiac issues among the youth and contradict the commonly held belief that heart ailments are a problem only for the disturbing pattern appears to be unique to Indians, who, as per epidemiological data, experience heart attacks nearly ten years earlier than individuals belonging to other ethnic communities. The Indian Heart Association has corroborated this claim, citing data that highlights a significant incidence of early cardiac events. A report released by Apollo Hospitals, referencing Indian Heart Association statistics, emphasizes that 50% of heart attacks in India occur in people below 50 years of age. Even more concerning, one in four heart attacks affect Indians who are under early age of onset not only points to a deeply rooted genetic predisposition among Indians but also reflects broader lifestyle and environmental factors that contribute to early cardiovascular damage. Poor diet, high stress levels, lack of exercise, and increasing rates of smoking and diabetes are compounding the problem, leading to a silent crisis in heart health among the country's younger an interview with ET Panache, Dr. Sarita Rao, Senior Interventional Cardiologist & Director Cathlab, Apollo Hospitals Indore, outlined some genetic and lifestyle factors which may make people younger than 50, vulnerable to heart issues. These include:Unrecognized high blood pressure and undetected spikes in cholesterol can silently wear down the walls of the arteries over years. These conditions, often showing no symptoms in the early stages, steadily narrow and weaken blood vessels, laying the foundation for future heart-related it's conventional smoking or modern vaping, both introduce harmful chemicals that hasten the accumulation of fatty deposits in the blood vessels. This buildup, known as plaque, clogs arteries and restricts blood flow, greatly elevating the likelihood of a heart living with diabetes — and even those with mild insulin resistance — face a significantly greater danger of heart problems. Elevated glucose levels damage the blood vessels and impair their ability to function efficiently, heightening cardiovascular risk even in younger emotional stress, combined with insufficient or poor-quality sleep, can spark harmful changes within the cardiovascular system. Persistent tension may cause arterial spasms or promote inflammation, both of which can interfere with normal heart rhythms and blood overly sedentary lifestyle deprives the heart of the movement it needs to remain strong, while overexerting the body without proper recovery can place excessive strain on the heart. Both lack of activity and extreme workouts have been linked to weakened cardiac function and increased vulnerability to heart drugs such as cocaine and stimulant-based substances like amphetamines are known to trigger abrupt and severe cardiac episodes. These chemicals can cause sudden narrowing of arteries, abnormal heart rhythms, and increased blood pressure — all of which can be such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis don't just affect joints and skin — they can also inflict damage on the blood vessels. The body's own immune system, in a state of constant activation, may inflame arteries and raise the risk of plaque formation and arterial conditions such as Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy (HOCM) and Long QT Syndrome often remain undiagnosed, especially in younger populations. These hereditary heart irregularities can disrupt normal heart rhythms and may result in sudden, fatal cardiac incidents if not identified and managed in Rao emphasized that a person's external appearance of fitness does not always guarantee a healthy heart. Beneath the surface, several hidden factors can increase the risk of sudden cardiac arrest—even in individuals who appear slim, active, and in good shape. Here's a breakdown of the underlying causes that can silently endanger seemingly healthy lives:Some people carry genetic abnormalities like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy—a condition where the heart muscle becomes abnormally thick. This condition can exist without any noticeable signs, yet it significantly raises the risk of heart failure or arrhythmias, especially during physical rare, some individuals are born with unusual formations in their coronary arteries. These structural irregularities can hinder proper blood flow to the heart, especially during intense activity or stress. Often undiagnosed until a serious episode occurs, these anomalies can be such as Long QT syndrome or Brugada syndrome interfere with the heart's natural rhythm. These electrical conditions can cause the heart to beat too fast, too slow, or erratically—sometimes leading to sudden collapse without any prior psychological strain or surging cortisol levels (the stress hormone) can overwhelm the cardiovascular system. Even those in good physical shape can experience what's often referred to as 'broken heart syndrome,' where acute emotional trauma results in a temporary, but severe, weakening of the heart muscle.A continuous state of internal inflammation—caused by an unhealthy diet, autoimmune diseases, or lingering infections—can gradually damage blood vessels and heart tissues. This inflammation may remain unnoticed for years but still contributes to long-term cardiovascular because someone is slim doesn't mean they're metabolically healthy. Some individuals suffer from a condition known as 'normal-weight obesity,' where harmful visceral fat accumulates around vital organs despite a normal body mass index. These hidden fat stores can disrupt hormones and metabolism, increasing the likelihood of heart Rao underlined that an impending cardiac arrest may manifest through different symptoms in men and women. Women are more likely to experience:Seek immediate help if you or someone experiences:⦁ Persistent chest pain, pressure, or tightness⦁ Shortness of breath, with or without chest discomfort⦁ Pain that spreads to arms, neck, back, jaw, or stomach⦁ Nausea or vomiting not linked to food⦁ Cold sweats or clammy skin⦁ Sudden fatigue or dizziness⦁ A feeling of dread or anxiety⦁ Golden Rule: If symptoms last more than 5 minutes, call emergency services — don't self-diagnose or certain factors like a genetic predisposition towards heart problems are out of your control, you can certainly lower your risk by following a heart healthy diet free from processed food items and high calorie dishes, explains Dr Rao.A heart-healthy diet focuses on anti-inflammatory, nutrient-rich, and balanced eating. Top choices include:⦁ Fatty Fish: Salmon, mackerel, sardines (rich in omega-3s)⦁ Fruits and Vegetables: Berries, leafy greens, avocados⦁ Whole Grains: Oats, quinoa, barley, brown rice⦁ Nuts and Seeds: Walnuts, flaxseeds, chia seeds⦁ Legumes: Lentils, chickpeas, beans Olive Oil : Replace butter or ghee for cooking⦁ Dark Chocolate (in moderation): Contains heart-healthy flavonoids⦁ Green Tea: May reduce blood pressure and cholesterol⦁ Low-fat Dairy or Fortified Plant Milk: For calcium and potassiumLimit your intake of processed meats, sugar-sweetened beverages, excess sodium, and trans outlined by the British Heart Foundation , it is important to understand that a heart attack and a cardiac arrest are two distinct medical emergencies, even though they are often confused.A heart attack occurs when one of the coronary arteries—the vessels that supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle—becomes obstructed. When this blockage happens, the flow of blood to a portion of the heart is disrupted, depriving it of the oxygen it needs to function properly. Without prompt medical intervention, this oxygen deprivation can lead to the gradual damage or death of heart muscle contrast, a cardiac arrest is a much more immediate and life-threatening event. It takes place when the heart suddenly stops functioning as a pump and fails to circulate blood throughout the body. As a result, the individual stops breathing or breathes abnormally and loses consciousness very quickly. This condition requires urgent resuscitation, often with CPR or a defibrillator, to restart the heart and restore to the British Heart Foundation, in many adult cases, cardiac arrests are actually triggered by a heart attack. This happens because the damage or stress caused by the heart attack can lead to an abnormal and potentially fatal heart rhythm—known medically as an arrhythmia—which may then result in the heart ceasing to beat the relationship between these two conditions is crucial. While a heart attack is primarily a circulation problem caused by blocked arteries, a cardiac arrest is an electrical issue where the heart's rhythm fails, often as a consequence of the damage done during a heart attack. Recognizing the symptoms early and responding quickly can mean the difference between life and death.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Shefali Jariwala's tragic death exposes the health risk women keep ignoring: Doctors reveal the silent threat behind it
For a generation, Shefali Jariwala will always be the dazzling "Kaanta Laga" girl—a name that brings with it memories of early 2000s music videos, unmatched dance moves, and that air of effortless cool. But now, heartbreak hangs heavy in the air as fans wake up to the devastating news of her sudden and untimely passing. In her early 40s, Shefali died of a sudden cardiac arrest. To many, the news feels almost unreal. This was a woman who radiated energy—sharing workout videos, wellness tips, and glowing moments from her daily life on social media. Her presence was consistent, cheerful, and health-conscious. And perhaps that's what makes her passing so difficult to process. But beneath this shock lies a darker, more urgent reality that health experts have been warning about: sudden cardiac deaths in young, seemingly healthy women are on the rise—and no one is talking enough about it. The myth of the 'man's disease' For decades, heart disease was considered a 'man's issue.' Women, especially younger women, were seen as low-risk—protected by their hormones and relatively healthy lifestyles. But now, the data tells a different story. And Shefali's tragic death is part of a growing, troubling pattern. Cardiologist Dr Ashish Agarwal, Director at Aakash Healthcare, is blunt: 'Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are now one of the leading causes of death in women, killing 10 times more women than breast cancer.' According to the National Family Health Survey (2020), nearly 19% of Indian women aged 15–49 have untreated hypertension—a silent killer that can set the stage for fatal heart events. 'Shefali's sudden passing is a stark reminder,' says Dr Agarwal, 'that even women who appear fit and active can be at serious risk. Early screening, managing diabetes, cholesterol, and stress—these are no longer optional. They are essential.' A double battle: Epilepsy and the heart What many may not know is that Shefali also battled epilepsy for over 15 years—a detail she openly shared in interviews, becoming a rare celebrity voice in destigmatizing the condition. According to Dr Praveen Gupta, Chairman, Marengo Asia International Institute of Neuro & Spine (MAIINS), epilepsy's toll is far more than the seizures themselves. 'Shefali's experience, enduring epilepsy for 15 years as she once openly shared, illustrates the profound toll that repeated seizures can take on an individual's life, far beyond momentary physical manifestations. It is not uncommon for people with such persistent neurological conditions to face debilitating clusters of symptoms. Seizures that occur unpredictably such as she described happening in classrooms, backstage, or on the road, can erode self-confidence and overall well‑being,' Dr Gupta says. Over time, this stress may also contribute to cardiovascular strain—a little-understood but important link between neurological and cardiac health. Shefali had once described how her episodes would hit suddenly—in classrooms, at shoots, on the road. She battled not only seizures but fear, anxiety, and the stigma that came with them. For millions living with epilepsy, her voice was a lifeline. When symptoms don't look like symptoms One of the cruelest ironies of heart disease in women is that the warning signs rarely look like the dramatic chest-clutching scenes we see in movies. 'Women's heart attack symptoms often include fatigue, nausea, dizziness, or shortness of breath,' explains Dr Subrat Akhoury, Chairman of Cath Lab & Interventional Cardiology at Asian Hospital. 'These signs are frequently brushed off as stress, PMS, or just another exhausting day.' That misinterpretation can cost lives. Dr Akhoury further explains that women's arteries behave differently than men's—plaque builds up in different patterns, making traditional diagnostic tools less effective. Emotional health, he adds, plays a much bigger role in women's heart risks than previously acknowledged. 'Anxiety, depression, and chronic stress—these can all quietly increase the risk of heart disease,' he warns. And after menopause, that risk spikes significantly. Behind the numbers: Young women at risk Why are more women in their 30s and 40s facing such deadly outcomes? According to Dr Anupama V. Hegde, Senior Consultant at Ramaiah Institute of Cardiac Sciences, the answers lie in a web of factors—structural heart diseases, rhythm abnormalities, coronary artery disease, and a lifestyle that's become increasingly taxing. 'Sudden cardiac arrest in young women is devastating—and it's accounting for nearly one-third of all female deaths,' she says. 'Unhealthy eating habits, high stress levels, poor sleep, rising diabetes and hypertension rates, and sedentary lifestyles have all converged. And young women are bearing the brunt.' The rise in spontaneous coronary artery dissections—a rare but serious heart event—has also been observed more frequently in women under 50, often those without traditional risk factors. The genetic card: A silent player But lifestyle alone doesn't tell the whole story. Genetic predisposition plays a powerful, often hidden role in determining heart disease risk—especially in women who seem otherwise healthy. Dr Ramesh Menon, Director of Personal Genomics and Genomic Medicine, believes we're now entering an era where precision medicine can save lives. 'For women over 40, standard tests often miss early red flags. Genetic testing allows us to assess individual risk long before any symptom appears.' Hormonal shifts, especially during perimenopause and menopause, interact with genetics to significantly alter heart risk profiles. Add in smoking, irregular sleep, and chronic emotional labor—and you have a perfect storm. 'Genetics isn't destiny,' Dr Menon says, 'but knowing your predisposition can empower you to take action early—through diet, medication, or lifestyle change.' The emotional labor that goes unseen There's also a cultural layer we cannot ignore. Women, particularly in India, are often conditioned to put themselves last—juggling careers, caregiving, emotional support roles, and endless to-do lists. They normalize fatigue. They silence discomfort. And they delay check-ups because there's always someone else to take care of first. But the consequences of that invisibility can be fatal. A moment to mourn—and to wake up Tributes are now pouring in across social media. Videos of Shefali dancing, her glowing skin, her confident voice—they're all being shared with disbelief and grief. She was, for many, a symbol of fearlessness and flair. But now, amid the mourning, there's a growing question: how many more young women have to die before we start taking their heart health seriously? This is not just about one celebrity. This is about a generation of women walking through life with hidden heart risks—unseen, unspoken, and untreated. What can you do—right now? Doctors across the board offer the same advice: get proactive. Whether you're 25 or 55, it's time to take your heart seriously. Know your numbers: Blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and BMI. Listen to your body: Fatigue, breathlessness, unexplained pain—don't ignore it. Manage stress: Mental health is cardiac health. Move more, sit less: Even 30 minutes a day of walking helps. Ask about family history and consider genetic testing: Especially if early deaths run in your family. Don't dismiss symptoms just because you're young or 'fit'. Because sometimes, it's not just another tiring day. It's your heart waving a red flag. Shefali Jariwala lit up every frame she was in. Her story now becomes something more—a cautionary tale, a wake-up call, and a reason for women everywhere to listen more closely to their bodies. She danced like no one was watching. Now, her silence leaves us with questions that demand answers. Rest in peace, Shefali. Your voice, your courage, and your story might just save lives.
