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News18
13 hours ago
- Health
- News18
Silent Epidemic: Shefali Jariwala's Death Sparks Alarm Over Growing Heart Ailments In Young Indians
Last Updated: Data and doctors reveal a deeper and far more widespread crisis: a growing epidemic of cardiovascular disease affecting Indians – not only rich but also poor in far-flung areas. The sudden death of television actress and model Shefali Jariwala, popularly known as the ' Kaanta Laga girl," at the age of 42 due to cardiac arrest has once again stirred public concern over the rising incidence of heart-related ailments in India. While such cases involving young celebrities make headlines, data and doctors reveal a deeper and far more widespread crisis: a growing epidemic of cardiovascular disease affecting Indians – not only rich but also poor in far-flung areas. Heart ailments no more a rich man's disease According to the latest data under the central government's flagship Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) scheme, the maximum number of claims are for an angioplasty procedure that involves putting stents in the arteries of the heart to remove blockages, which could prove fatal. The scheme serves as health insurance for the bottom 40 per cent population of India – who are extremely poor and vulnerable, busting the myth that heart ailment is a rich man's disease. The data shows that a whopping Rs 1051 crore has been spent by way of claims under the scheme so far on the procedure named 'PTCA inclusive of diagnostic angiogram'. This is the procedure to perform angioplasty after an angiography is conducted that shows blockages in one's heart. As many as 1.05 lakh patients across the country have undergone this procedure under Ayushman Bharat scheme, implying a spend of Rs 1.05 lakh per patient. In comparison, chronic haemodialysis, though more common with over 15 lakh cases, has led to a lower cumulative spend of Rs 560 crore. The figures clearly indicate that cardiac procedures, though fewer in number, demand significantly higher financial resources — underlining the scale and severity of India's growing heart problem. In fact, several published studies highlight urban versus rural shift of heart ailments. Urban CHD (coronary heart disease) prevalence climbed from roughly 1 per cent in 1960 to 9–10 per cent in 2016 and rural prevalence went from less than 1 per cent to 4–6 per cent, according to a study titled 'Trends in Coronary Heart Disease Epidemiology in India" published in medical journal ScienceDirect. A 9-fold increase in urban CHD over four decades and around 2-fold in rural areas highlights rapid lifestyle transition. 'Five-fold increase in heart procedures" Cardiologists across India are reporting a dramatic surge in cardiac emergencies, especially among young adults. Dr Asit Khanna, Principal Consultant and Director, Cath Lab and Cardiology, Yashoda Super Speciality Hospitals, Kaushambi, told News18, 'The heart-related procedures at my facility have increased 5-fold in 7 years. It was 50 cases in 2018 (when I joined Yashoda), now it's 250 cases per month." Dr Prashant Pawar, Consultant Cardiology at Fortis Hiranandani Hospital, Vashi, also noted a worrying trend. 'Cardiovascular diseases have increased over the past 5 years. On average between 2016-2020, I used to see around 30 to 40 heart attack cases in a month. Over the past 3-4 years I see around 60-70 heart attacks cases in a month. Out of these heart attacks, 30-40 per cent patients are below 40 years and have blood clots (they have more thrombus)," he said. The picture emerging from these accounts is alarming: more young Indians are suffering from heart attacks, and when they do, their condition is often more severe. Supporting this clinical experience is market data from research firm Pharmarack, which confirms that cardiac drugs are now the top-selling segment in India's pharmaceutical market. The segment has grown at a steady 5-year CAGR of 10 per cent, and antihypertensive medications now make up half of all cardiac-related drug sales. What's more concerning is that categories associated with more serious cardiac complications and hospitalisations are growing in double digits. 'Drug sales patterns indicate a disturbing shift in age trends, with cardiac problems increasingly affecting people in the 30–40-year age group, compared to the 50–60-year age bracket in earlier decades," said Sheetal Sapale, vice president, commercial, Pharmarack. The data shows that the sales of heart failure therapies stood at Rs 717 crore in May 2021, which jumped to Rs 1322 crore in May 2025 — almost doubling in four years. India's 'Silent Epidemic' of NCDs The Apollo Hospitals' Health of the Nation 2024 report labels the spike in noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), especially cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), as a 'silent epidemic." According to the report, CVD cases in India jumped from 380 lakh in 2005 to 641 lakh in 2015 — and the number continues to rise. Apollo's annual report 2023-2024 shows that in 2019, lifestyle-linked risks such as unhealthy diet, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity contributed to 27 per cent of India's total disease burden, compared to 21% in 2010. These risks are directly linked to conditions like ischemic heart disease and stroke. About the Author Himani Chandna Himani Chandna, Associate Editor at CNN News18, specialises in healthcare and pharmaceuticals. With firsthand insights into India's COVID-19 battle, she brings a seasoned perspective. She is particularly More Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published:
NDTV
14 hours ago
- Health
- NDTV
Fitness, Healthy Diet Not Enough? Shefali Jariwala Death Stokes Heart Fears
New Delhi: The death of 42-year-old Shefali Jariwala, who shot to fame two decades back with the 'Kaanta Laga' music video, due to a sudden cardiac arrest, has shocked the nation. The death of a visibly fit celebrity known to follow a healthy schedule has left many questions and stoked fears, as one wonders if workouts and a healthy diet are enough to shield us from cardiac issues in the 30s and 40s. These fears also play out against the backdrop of frequent reports of middle-aged individuals, many of them apparently fit, dying of heart attacks in the aftermath of the Covid pandemic. Some blame vaccines, even though experts have trashed this link. Others talk about food adulteration, stress and lack of sleep as contributing factors that create long-term damage. Others have pointed to anti-ageing treatments that most celebrities use and wondered if they can have serious side effects. A definite answer on what led to Shefali Jariwala's death is awaited as the postmortem report is expected soon. What Happened That Night Shefali Jariwala's doctor has confirmed to NDTV that she was on anti-ageing treatment for the past eight years. Glutathione and Vitamin C, both used to lighten skin colour and improve texture, were reportedly part of her treatment. According to reports, she took a routine anti-ageing injection on June 27. Around 10 pm and 11 pm that night, she felt very sick. She started trembling and lost consciousness. She was rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared her dead. The preliminary findings were "low blood pressure, cardiac arrest and heavy gastric condition." Police have found anti-aging vials, vitamin supplements, and gas-relief pills from her home. Bloating, studies have found, is a common side-effect of anti-ageing drugs like Glutathione. Police have questioned eight people in this connection so far, including family members, doctors and house helps. An official has said police did not find any sign of foul play. The Puja Link According to reports, Shefali fasted on June 27 for a Puja at her home. A doctor NDTV spoke to said administration of anti-ageing drugs during fasting or dehydration can be potentially harmful. Dr Anesh Jain, Consultant Cardiologist at Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune, said, "Although glutathione and Vitamin C are widely used in skin treatments, introducing such compounds in a dehydrated or fasted state can place unnecessary stress on the cardiovascular system. In rare cases, this can result in a dangerous drop in blood pressure, possibly leading to cardiac arrest." Dr Jain added that most anti-ageing drugs are off-label, experimental, or cosmetic and "lack proper long-term cardiovascular safety data". Doctor Explains Lifestyle Factors Dr Dhirendra Singhania, Principal Consultant of Interventional Cardiology at Yashoda Super Speciality Hospitals in Kaushambi, has said major risk factors for heart attacks include steroids, lack of sleep, and hormonal therapies, especially in women. "Celebrities try to maintain their appearance. We don't know what they do to achieve that. Lack of sleep is a known cardiac risk factor and many celebrities are awake, sometimes through the night," he said. "Steroids, drug overdoses, and hormonal therapies for women and oral contraceptives can contribute to heart attack risk." Other factors include stress and social media addiction, he said. "Anti-ageing therapies do not have serious side effects, but if she also took any hormonal therapy, that might have carried side effects." Why Shefali's Death Has Stoked Fears The interest around what killed this 42-year-old performer stems from the fear surrounding heart attacks in middle-aged individuals, including several celebrities. Videos of people collapsing and dying - many of them with a healthy weight and a fit regime, often make it to social media, triggering questions on whether a single factor is responsible for these premature deaths. Over the past few years, several celebrities in their 40s and 50s have succumbed to sudden heart ailments. These include singer KK (53), actor Puneeth Rajkumar (46), filmmaker Raj Kaushal (50), comic Raju Srivastav (58) and actor Sidharth Shukla (40). Actor and Miss Universe, 1994, Sushmita Sen (49) suffered a heart attack in 2023 and underwent angioplasty and stent placement. Most of these performers followed a fitness regime, and still succumbed to heart ailments, prompting questions about what went wrong. Shefali Jariwala is the latest name on the tragic list.
NDTV
16 hours ago
- Health
- NDTV
Amid Shefali Jariwala Death, Doctor Explains Risks Of Steroids, Hormonal Therapies
New Delhi: The death of 'Kaanta Laga' fame Shefali Jariwala, who reportedly died due to a cardiac arrest last week, has once again put a spotlight on the rising cases of heart attacks in adults in India. The disturbing increase of cardiovascular diseases in even those people who keep themselves seemingly fit, is a cause of concern - and triggers a question: are fitness therapies and workouts enough? Dr Dhirendra Singhania, Principal Consultant of Interventional Cardiology at Yashoda Super Speciality Hospitals in Kaushambi, spoke exclusively to NDTV on the issue, saying the major causes of risk in heart attacks are: steroids, lack of sleep, and hormonal therapies (especially for women). "Everyone, whether a celebrity or a common man, if they are not following the rules of the body, they will have problems. In celebrities, they all try to maintain their body for fit appearances. Many times, we don't know what they do to achieve that. Lack of sleep has been known as a cardiac risk factor - many celebrities are awake for almost the whole night at times," he said. Dr Singhania added, "Steroids, drug overdoses, and hormonal therapies for women, such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT for menopause) and oral contraceptives, can contribute to heart attack risk." Additionally, the cardiologist said stress and social media addiction contribute to increased blood pressure and cortisol levels - which eventually lead to cardiovascular diseases. Dr Singhania also showed a coronary angiography of a 36-year-old man who survived a heart attack recently. According to the cardiologist, the man did not have any history of smoking or drinking or underlying medical conditions, but still fell prey to the tragic disease. Shefali Jariwala death Actor-model Shefali Jariwala died on Friday night at the age of 42, with initial reports suggesting that she died of a cardiac arrest. However, the exact cause of her death is yet to be confirmed. The postmortem of the actor was conducted at Cooper Hospital in Mumbai and was recorded on video. Police and forensic experts visited Ms Jariwala's residence, where they found glutathione (a drug often used for skin fairness and detoxification), Vitamin C injections, and acidity pills, hinting at risky, unsupervised anti-ageing treatments. However, Dr Singhania said long-term use of glutathione and Vitamin C in anti-aging therapies are not directly cardiotoxic, and does not contribute to cardiovascular stress. "Anti-ageing therapies do not have serious side effects, but if she also took any hormonal therapy, that might have carried some side effects," he said. The 'Kaanta Laga' fame was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of 15. "As far as epilepsy is concerned, it depends largely on the medications used, but generally they are not risky for heart attacks," Dr Singhania said. Ms Jariwala shot to fame in 2002 with the remix music video 'Kaanta Laga'. She was also known for playing a brief role in the 2004 film 'Mujhse Shaadi Karogi'. The actor also featured on reality TV shows 'Nach Baliye 5' and 'Nach Baliye 7' alongside her actor-husband Parag Tyagi. She was also seen as a contestant on the reality TV show Bigg Boss 13.
