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While the exact cause of Shefali Jariwala’s death is being investigated, her demise highlights a concerning trend – the rise in heart-related conditions among young adults.
Shefali Jariwala passed away at 42, likely from cardiac arrest.
The unexpected death of actor and television personality Shefali Jariwala at 42 has left the entertainment industry and her fans shocked. The actor’s demise has also sparked a deeper conversation about an unsettling health crisis: the rising toll of heart disease among young adults in India.
Shefali Jariwala, who gained widespread fame through the early 2000s hit music video Kaanta Laga and later appeared on Bigg Boss 13, reportedly collapsed late Friday night due to what is suspected to be a cardiac arrest. Her husband, actor Parag Tyagi, rushed her to the hospital, but she was declared dead on arrival. Her body was sent to Mumbai’s Cooper Hospital for a postmortem examination, and while official confirmation is awaited, early reports point to cardiac arrest as a likely cause.
Her sudden demise has not only stunned her fans but also amplified a troubling pattern: cardiovascular events are increasingly affecting people in their 20s, 30s, and early 40s – many of whom have no prior medical history or visible risk factors.
The Alarming Shift In Heart Attack Demographics
Once seen as a health threat for people nearing retirement age, heart attacks are now striking far younger individuals. Globally, 6–10% of all heart attacks are now reported in those under 40. In India, that number is rising even faster, with urban populations showing a sharp uptick in early-onset cardiovascular disease. What’s even more concerning is that many victims are unaware of the silent conditions they may already be carrying.
The Risks Of Modern Living
Several lifestyle-related factors are fueling this epidemic. The average day for many young adults involves long hours of sitting at workstations, in traffic, or in front of screens. Add to that diets high in processed food, sugar, and saturated fats, and the result is a dramatic increase in obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes, all of which silently strain the cardiovascular system. Equally concerning is the near-constant mental stress that today’s working professionals and public figures face.
Health Negligence Among The Youth
Another critical issue is the lack of preventive healthcare. Young adults often skip routine medical check-ups, underestimating the importance of early detection. This oversight allows conditions like hypertension, hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol), and type 2 diabetes to go undiagnosed until they result in a major event like a heart attack or stroke. In some cases, genetic predispositions, such as hyperhomocysteinemia or inherited cholesterol disorders, go completely unnoticed until it’s too late.
Substance Use And Lifestyle Triggers
Smoking, vaping, recreational drug use, and even aggressive gym routines, especially when paired with performance-enhancing supplements, can further elevate heart risk. These factors, combined with erratic sleep patterns and high caffeine or alcohol intake, create a volatile environment for the heart.
Dr Rajiv Bhagwat, Senior Consultant Cardiologist at Breach Candy Hospital, Mumbai, says, “Stress remains a leading cause, alongside factors such as family history, which is often neglected. Other factors are high cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes, sedentary lifestyle. It is vital that we recognise the importance of regular health screenings and medical awareness to prevent such tragedies.”
Can Heart Attacks In The Young Be Prevented?
The good news is that early intervention and conscious lifestyle choices can significantly reduce the risk. Medical professionals urge young adults to:
- Prioritise annual health screenings starting in their late 20s.
- Maintain a balanced diet and regular physical activity.
- Manage stress through mental health care, meditation, or mindfulness practices.
- Avoid smoking, vaping, and drug use altogether.
- Treat chronic conditions with ongoing medical support.
- Location :
Delhi, India, India
- First Published:
