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

The recent, unexpected death of Indian television actress Shefali Jariwala has sparked widespread concern and highlighted a worrying trend: the increasing incidence of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) among seemingly healthy, middle-aged women. While the official cause of Jariwala's death is pending a post-mortem and forensic analysis, preliminary reports point towards cardiac arrest, a phenomenon that demands closer scrutiny.

A Growing, Understudied Crisis

Sudden cardiac death (SCD), once considered rare in young adults, is becoming increasingly prevalent, particularly in India. This rise is prompting serious concern within the medical community. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) account for approximately 28% of all deaths in India, with SCD contributing to roughly 10% of these fatalities. Disturbingly, a significant number of these deaths occur in people between the ages of 30 and 50.

India's rapid socioeconomic changes have led to widespread lifestyle shifts, including increased sedentary behavior, consumption of processed foods, tobacco use, and elevated stress levels. These factors contribute to a surge in conditions like hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and coronary artery disease, all significant risk factors for SCD.

Historically, SCD has been more common in men, but recent research highlights the unique and often overlooked risks faced by women. Unlike men, women who experience SCD frequently have no prior diagnosis of heart conditions. Structural abnormalities like myocardial scarring and ischemic heart disease often go undetected during their lives, only to be discovered during post-mortem examinations. Furthermore, many women do not exhibit classic warning signs such as chest pain or ECG abnormalities, making early detection incredibly difficult.

The Silent Threat in Midlife Women

Women in their 40s and 50s, like Shefali Jariwala, face a silent but 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
• Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia.

These conditions can remain asymptomatic until a fatal arrhythmia occurs.

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

Stress played a significant role in Shefali Jariwala's life, who began her career as a teen star. Takutsobo cardiomyopathy (Broken Heart Syndrome) or stress-induced cardiomyopathy is a major cause of SCD in women who multitask and experience high levels of emotional stress. Jariwala also faced personal challenges due to her divorce, along with anxiety, depression, and epilepsy—all factors that can intersect with cardiovascular health. Furthermore, certain psychiatric medications, particularly those that prolong the QT interval, have been linked to an increased risk of SCD.

A Call for Gender-Specific Prevention and Awareness

Despite the seriousness of the issue, women remain underrepresented in preventive heart care. Symptoms such as fatigue, palpitations, or breathlessness are often dismissed or misattributed, delaying crucial intervention. While heart attacks 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 lifesaving measures, underscoring the need for early risk identification.

Medical experts are advocating for more targeted public health strategies. There is a need to enhance early screening tools tailored to women, especially during perimenopause when cardiac risks increase.

Honoring a Star, Fueling a Movement

The entertainment industry and fans mourn the loss of Shefali Jariwala. Her tragic passing serves as more than a moment of grief—it is a call to action. Her death shines a spotlight on an overlooked health crisis and the urgent need for systemic change in how women's heart health is addressed.

Shefali Jariwala captivated audiences with her on-screen presence. In the wake of her untimely death, she may 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.