Latest news with #MarengoAsiaInternationalInstituteofNeuro&Spine
Time of India
16 hours ago
- Health
- 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.
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Business Standard
6 days ago
- Health
- Business Standard
Salman Khan reveals brain aneurysm, AVM and the 'suicide disease'
Bollywood actor Salman Khan recently disclosed that he is living with multiple serious neurological conditions, including a brain aneurysm, arteriovenous malformation (AVM), and trigeminal neuralgia, commonly referred to as the 'suicide disease' due to its excruciating pain. The actor revealed these health challenges during his appearance on The Great Indian Kapil Show, aired June 21, where he briefly spoke about working through these conditions despite their severity. These diseases, though rare, are potentially life-threatening if not managed carefully and can significantly impact quality of life. Khan made a candid revelation during conversation with Kapil Sharma, ' Hum ye jo daily ki haddiyan tudwa rahe hain, pasliyan toot gai, trigeminal neuralgia ke sath kaam kar rahe hain, aneurysm hai brain mein uske bawajood kaam kar rahe hain. AV malformation hai, uske bawajood chal rahe hain.' ('I'm out here breaking my bones every day, ribs are fractured, I'm working despite having trigeminal neuralgia, there's an aneurysm in the brain, yet I'm still working. There's also an AV malformation, and still, I'm carrying on.') What is Trigeminal Neuralgia, and why is it called the 'suicide disease'? According to the Cleveland Clinic, an American nonprofit academic medical centre based in Cleveland, Ohio, Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic pain disorder that causes intense pain attacks in your face. It happens when your trigeminal nerve, responsible for sensation in the face and chewing, is damaged or irritated. According to media reports, Khan was first diagnosed with Trigeminal Neuralgia around 2007 during the filming of Partner. He underwent nerve surgery in the US in 2011. It is characterised by sudden, stabbing facial pain triggered by mild activities such as chewing, brushing, or speaking. It is called 'suicide disease' due to the debilitating nature of the pain, which can severely impact the patient's quality of life. It is a rare disease with an estimated global incidence of about 4 to 13 cases per 100,000 people annually, according to a 2022 study. Women are more likely to develop it than men and most cases develop after age 50. What is a brain aneurysm? According to Dr Praveen Gupta, chairman, Marengo Asia International Institute of Neuro & Spine (MAIINS), Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram, 'An aneurysm is a weakness in the wall of the artery that causes it to bulge out, forming a balloon-like structure. This site is prone to rupture, leading to brain hemorrhage.' Early warning signs of aneurysm highlighted by Gupta: Sudden, severe headache (commonly described as the worst headache of life) Neck stiffness Tingling or numbness Transient vision problems or double vision Mild speech slurring Imbalance while walking Facial drooping Sudden memory issues or difficulty using appropriate words Dr Gupta explained that the treatment of this rare disease involves minimally invasive procedures to seal the aneurysm, such as endovascular coiling or flow diverter stents. In some cases, open surgery is required to place clips that prevent rupture, he said. While talking about the preventive measures, Dr Gupta said lifestyle changes to control blood pressure and avoid rupture are crucial. He said, 'Monitoring small, unruptured aneurysms with regular imaging is important, along with lifestyle changes.' In order to prevent aneurysm, he urged people to: Adopt a healthy lifestyle Strictly control blood pressure Avoid smoking Get regular screenings done, if there is a family history of aneurysms What is arteriovenous malformation (AVM)? According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, AVM is a rare vascular condition in which arteries and veins are abnormally connected, bypassing the normal capillary system. This can reduce oxygen delivery to brain tissues and may rupture. It is estimated to occur in less than 1 in 10,000 people. Some of the symptoms of AVM include headaches, seizures, or neurological deficits. According to global health agencies, many cases remain undiagnosed until a rupture occurs. Gupta explained that the presence of both an aneurysm and AVM significantly increases the patient's risk for brain haemorrhage. Despite these serious diagnoses, the Bajrangi Bhaijaan actor continues to lead a highly active professional life. Why are these conditions dangerous? Dr Gupta emphasised that these disorders, though individually rare, can lead to life-threatening outcomes if not diagnosed or treated promptly. He said, 'Early warning signs of stroke and aneurysm are often subtle and should not be ignored. Timely intervention can be life-saving.' He further recommended: Early neurological consultations for recurring headaches or facial pain Regular monitoring for individuals with familial risk Lifestyle changes to reduce modifiable risk factors such as high blood pressure and smoking Salman Khan's disclosure has shed light on lesser-known but critical neurological diseases. Despite this complex mix of neurological issues alongside physical strain and chronic sleep disruption, he continues to work actively, relying on a strong support system and fall-back health routines. For more health updates, follow #HealthWithBS
NDTV
6 days ago
- Health
- NDTV
Salman Khan Reveals He Is Working "Even With Brain Aneurysm". How Does The Condition Affect Normal Life?
The image was shared on X. New Delhi: Salman Khan isn't one to break under pressure, but his 'bones'? That's apparently a different story. In his recent appearance on The Great Indian Kapil Show, the actor stunned fans by revealing the extent of his ongoing health battles, including a brain aneurysm, trigeminal neuralgia and arteriovenous malformation (AVM). Appearing as the first guest of the show's new season, Salman spoke about the physical toll his body has endured over the years. "I'm out here breaking my bones every day - ribs are fractured, I'm working despite having trigeminal neuralgia, there's an aneurysm in the brain, yet I'm still working. There's also an AV malformation, and still, I'm carrying on," the actor said, describing how he continues to work despite multiple serious conditions. This revelation has sparked widespread public concern for Salman Khan's health, and what it actually means to live and work with a brain aneurysm. What follows is a closer look at the condition, what causes it, who is at risk, and how it can impact daily life - physically, mentally and neurologically. According to Dr Praveen Gupta, Chairman of Marengo Asia International Institute of Neuro & Spine (MAIINS), a brain aneurysm is a balloon-like bulge in the wall of an artery due to a weakness in the vessel wall. "Aneurysm is a condition where there is a weakness in the wall of the artery, which leads to the outpouching of the wall of an artery, creating a small balloon-like structure called an aneurysm. This is basically because the arterial wall in the aneurysm is weak. This site is prone to rupture, causing brain haemorrhage," Dr Gupta explains. Aneurysms are often called silent killers because they may remain asymptomatic for years, or even for life, until they rupture. Common? Yes. Harmless? Not Always. While brain aneurysms are relatively common, often discovered incidentally during imaging for other conditions, not all of them rupture. However, when they do, the consequences are severe. Dr Rahul Gupta, Senior Director & HOD Neuro and Spine Surgery, Fortis Hospital Noida, elaborates, "A brain aneurysm is a bulge in a blood vessel in the brain, and its seriousness depends on whether it ruptures. An unruptured aneurysm may cause no symptoms and might be discovered incidentally. However, a ruptured brain aneurysm leads to a type of stroke called a subarachnoid haemorrhage, which is a life-threatening emergency with high risk of death or permanent neurological damage." "Worst Headache Of Your Life" And Other Symptoms One of the most alarming features of a ruptured aneurysm is the sudden, intense headache, often described as the worst headache of one's life. Other symptoms include nausea and vomiting, stiff neck, blurred or double vision, sensitivity to light, seizures, loss of consciousness and confusion. Dr Praveen Gupta adds, "The first sign of this disease is the worst-ever headache in life, which can be associated with neck stiffness, tingling, numbness, visual symptoms, and double vision." In some cases, a "leaking" aneurysm may cause similar symptoms days or weeks before a major rupture, a critical period when intervention could be life-saving. How It Affects the Brain (Even When Unruptured) Even if a brain aneurysm does not rupture, its location in the brain can affect cognitive function. Neuroscientist Kumaar Bagrodia, founder of NeuroLeap and HALE, explains, "The location of the aneurysm significantly influences the resulting cognitive and neurological outcomes, even when unruptured. The brain's networks are spatially and functionally organised, so pressure, ischemia, or haemorrhage in specific regions can impair distinct functions." He notes the following examples: Frontal lobe/ACom artery: Memory, planning, emotional regulation Middle cerebral artery (MCA): Speech and attention Posterior aneurysms: Vision and spatial memory Post-diagnosis, even without rupture, patients may face "memory loss (hippocampal impact), poor attention and slower processing (network disruption), executive dysfunction (frontal circuits). When we do a whole brain map, this often shows slowed brainwave patterns." So... What Puts You At Risk? Is Gymming One of Them? Risk factors for brain aneurysms include high blood pressure, smoking, family history, ageing, genetic predisposition and unhealthy lifestyle. Dr Praveen Gupta warns, "Excessive physical activities, such as heavy gymming or stunt work, can put increased pressure on the arteries and may cause rupture of an already existing aneurysm." Kumaar Bagrodia adds, "Genetic predisposition is well-established, especially in familial intracranial aneurysm syndromes." Key genetic markers include COL3A1 (connective tissue), SOX17 (endothelial health), 9p21/CDKN2A (vascular inflammation). Diseases like polycystic kidney disease (PKD1/PKD2) can raise the risk 5-10x times. With age, vascular degeneration, oxidative stress, and inflammation further elevate the risk. "Elastin degrades, arteries stiffen, and impaired neurovascular coupling make some brain regions more vulnerable," Bagrodia notes. Treat It Or Leave It? The Answer Is Not Always Surgery Not all aneurysms get the scalpel treatment. Treatment for aneurysms depends on multiple factors: size, location, symptoms and risk of rupture. According to Dr Rahul Gupta, treatment options include: Monitoring: For small, stable, unruptured aneurysms Surgical Clipping: A metal clip seals off the aneurysm Endovascular Coiling: Coils fill the aneurysm via a catheter Flow Diversion: A stent redirects blood away from the aneurysm "Not all aneurysms require surgery. Many aneurysms are safely managed without it," says Dr Gupta. Dr Praveen Gupta also elaborates on diagnostics and surgical methods, "The immediate diagnosis is by CT angiogram or digital subtraction angiography (DSA). We can deploy coils or flow diverter stents to close the aneurysm. If it's not amenable to endovascular treatment, surgical clipping may be used to close the aneurysm so that it does not remain prone to bursting and causing haemorrhage." Can You Dance With Danger? Apparently, Yes Given the demanding physicality of Salman Khan's career, many are wondering: Is it really possible to work while carrying such a serious condition? "Yes, many people with unruptured aneurysms can lead normal lives, including working, performing, or engaging in physical activity, with medical guidance. The ability to continue high-energy activities like acting or dancing depends on symptoms, aneurysm size and stability, and overall health", says Dr Rahul Gupta The key lies in monitoring, medical supervision and lifestyle management. The Future: Lasers, Nanotech And Maybe... Light Therapy? Research is pushing boundaries, and the next few years could radically change how aneurysms are treated. "Gene therapies like CRISPR, siRNA aim to reduce inflammation in aneurysm-prone vessels by targeting genes like MMP-9 or IL-1β," says Kumaar Bagrodia. "Drug-loaded nanoparticles are in preclinical testing. Flow diverters are improving - even safe for smaller or distal aneurysms now." He also points to photobiomodulation therapy - using near-infrared light to enhance blood vessel repair and reduce oxidative stress. Busting Common Myths There's a lot of misinformation around brain aneurysms, says Dr Rahul Gupta: Myth: All brain aneurysms will rupture Fact: Many never rupture and remain symptomless Myth: Aneurysms only affect older people Fact: They can occur at any age Myth: Surgery is always needed Fact: Many cases are managed non-surgically Myth: Rupture means certain death Fact: With prompt treatment, survival and recovery are possible The Final Word Salman Khan's revelation has brought crucial awareness to an often misunderstood condition. It also serves as a wake-up call to not ignore warning signs and to prioritise health, because sometimes, the body doesn't scream until it's almost too late. Featured Video Of The Day Russia, China, Pak, 'Axis Of Resistance': Who Will Help Iran?
