Shefali Jariwala's Untimely Death Spotlights Rising Cardiac Arrests Among Women: Experts Urge Action

The unexpected death of Indian actress Shefali Jariwala has sparked widespread concern and highlighted a disturbing trend: the increasing incidence of sudden cardiac issues in seemingly healthy, middle-aged women. While the official cause of Jariwala's death awaits confirmation, initial reports suggest cardiac arrest, raising critical questions about women's heart health.

The Rising Crisis of Sudden Cardiac Death

Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD), once considered rare in young adults, is now occurring with alarming frequency, particularly in India. Cardiovascular diseases are responsible for approximately 28% of all deaths in the country, with nearly 10% attributed to SCD. What is particularly concerning is that a significant number of these deaths occur in individuals between 30 and 50 years old.

India's rapid socioeconomic changes have contributed to this rise, with sedentary lifestyles, processed foods, tobacco use, and increased stress levels leading to a surge in hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and coronary artery disease – all major risk factors for SCD.

The Overlooked Risks for Women

While cardiovascular issues have historically been associated more with men, recent studies highlight the unique and often underestimated risks faced by women. Unlike men, women who experience SCD frequently have no prior diagnosis of heart conditions. Structural abnormalities, such as myocardial scarring and ischemic heart disease, often remain undetected during their lives, only to be discovered during post-mortem examinations. Furthermore, many women do not exhibit classic warning signs like chest pain or ECG abnormalities, making early detection incredibly challenging.

The Silent Threat to Women in Midlife

Women in their 40s and 50s face a silent, yet serious, risk from underlying cardiac conditions. In younger populations, SCD is often linked to inherited or electrical disorders, such as Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy, Long QT Syndrome, Brugada Syndrome, and Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia. These conditions can be asymptomatic until a fatal arrhythmia occurs.

In this age group, factors such as left ventricular hypertrophy, obesity, and myocardial fibrosis further increase vulnerability. Myocardial scarring and fibrosis can be attributed to cumulative exposure to cardiovascular risks, repeated micro-ischemic events, and hormonal changes, especially during perimenopause. Moreover, conditions like Myocardial Infarction with Non-Obstructive Coronary Arteries (MINOCA), which are more prevalent in younger women, often leave no traces in autopsies, complicating diagnosis.

Stress is also a significant factor. Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (Broken Heart Syndrome), or stress-induced cardiomyopathy, is a major cause of SCD in women who juggle multiple responsibilities and experience emotional stress. In Shefali Jariwala's case, personal struggles, including divorce, anxiety, depression, and epilepsy, may have intersected with her cardiovascular health. Psychiatric medications, particularly those that prolong the QT interval, have also been linked to an increased risk of SCD.

A Call for Gender-Specific Prevention and Increased Awareness

Despite the seriousness of the issue, women are often underrepresented in preventive heart care. Symptoms such as fatigue, palpitations, or breathlessness are frequently dismissed or misattributed, delaying crucial intervention. Unlike heart attacks, which are caused by blocked arteries, cardiac arrest results from electrical disturbances that cause the heart to stop suddenly. Immediate CPR and defibrillation are often the only life-saving measures, emphasizing the need for early risk identification.

Medical experts are now urging for more targeted public health strategies, including enhanced early screening tools tailored to women, particularly during perimenopause when cardiac risks increase.

Remembering a Star, Igniting Change

The tragic passing of Shefali Jariwala serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for systemic change in how women's heart health is addressed. Her death highlights an overlooked health crisis and calls for immediate attention, investment, and action.

While Shefali Jariwala was known for her captivating screen presence, her untimely death may well be remembered as a symbol of awareness, a reminder that the heart’s silence can be fatal, and that women's cardiac health demands immediate attention, investment, and action.