The sudden death of Indian actor and TV star Shefali Jariwala at age 42 has sparked fresh warnings from Dubai doctors about rising cardiac risks in younger adults.
Shefali, known for her 2002 hit remix Kaanta Laga, reportedly complained of severe chest pain before collapsing at home. She was declared dead on arrival at the hospital, with Mumbai Police citing no foul play. Initial reports point to a suspected cardiac arrest.
Why Are More Young Adults at Risk?
Dr Krishna Sarin M.S. Nair, Specialist Interventional Cardiologist at Aster Hospital Qusais, explained that lifestyle stress, smoking, high cholesterol, and family history are leading contributors to sudden cardiac events in the under-50 age group.
“Increasingly, acute stress — whether mental or physical — can trigger heart attacks or cardiac arrest,” Dr Nair said. Overexertion during unfamiliar exercise or intense grief and anger can also act as dangerous triggers, he added.
Hidden Conditions to Watch
According to Dr Nair, structural or electrical heart problems such as long QT syndrome, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or ventricular fibrillation often remain undiagnosed and silent, only surfacing under extreme stress.
“Shefali Jariwala’s case is a sad reminder that the heart can be vulnerable even in younger, active people,” he noted.
Women’s Heart Attack Symptoms Often Missed
Dr Nair warned that heart attack signs in women can be subtle. Instead of classic crushing chest pain, women may feel persistent indigestion, nausea, unusual burping, or new breathlessness.
“These symptoms can be misleading, so an ECG and medical evaluation are critical,” he stressed.
Shefali’s Medical History
Reports suggest Shefali Jariwala had epilepsy and was undergoing anti-ageing treatments. In rare cases, epileptic seizures can disrupt heart rhythm, a condition called SUDEP (Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy). “While uncommon, SUDEP is a recognised risk in long-term epilepsy patients,” Dr Nair added.
Key Takeaways for Young Adults
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Don’t ignore unusual or mild cardiac symptoms
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Seek professional help for chest pain, breathlessness, or unexplained fatigue
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Manage lifestyle risk factors like stress, smoking, and cholesterol
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Get regular check-ups, especially with a family history of heart disease
“Even mild symptoms should never be brushed off,” Dr Nair concluded. “Timely treatment can save lives.”
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