Shefali Jariwala’s Tragic Passing at 42: Why Heart Attacks in Women Are More Dangerous and 6 Essential Lifestyle Changes to Protect Your Heart

Shefali Jariwala, a well-known actor and model, tragically passed away on June 27, 2025, due to cardiac arrest at just 42 years old. Despite being rushed to Bellevue Multispeciality Hospital in Mumbai, she was declared dead on arrival. Jariwala was famous for her role in Bigg Boss 13 and the iconic music video “Kaanta Laga.”

Her untimely death highlights a pressing issue: heart disease is the leading cause of death among women worldwide. In fact, research shows that about one in three female deaths in the U.S. is due to cardiovascular diseases. This statistic is echoed in India, where heart disease remains a leading health threat for women.

Dr. Rudradev Pandey, a cardiologist, notes that cardiovascular diseases claim around 17.3 million lives each year globally. Unfortunately, complications like heart attacks are now deadlier for women than breast cancer, with 10 times more fatalities. Alarmingly, a 2020 survey revealed that nearly 18.7% of Indian women aged 15 to 49 have untreated hypertension. This statistic underscores the urgent need for awareness and proactive health measures.

Here are eight essential facts that women should know about heart disease:

1. **Heart Disease Is Not Just a Man’s Issue**: Many still believe heart problems primarily affect men. It’s time to change that view.

2. **Different Symptoms**: Women may not always experience the classic chest pain during a heart attack. Symptoms can include nausea, fatigue, dizziness, or shortness of breath, which might lead to misdiagnosis.

3. **Higher Risk of Fatality**: Women have a greater chance of dying within a year of a heart attack, often due to missed diagnoses.

4. **Diagnosis Challenges**: The way plaque builds up in women’s arteries is different, making it harder to detect heart disease based on standard tests developed for men.

5. **Emotional Health Matters**: Stress, anxiety, and depression affect heart health more significantly in women, yet they often go unaddressed in discussions about heart disease.

6. **Post-Menopause Risk**: After menopause, the drop in estrogen increases the risk of heart issues, including high blood pressure and cholesterol.

7. **Inequality in Treatment**: Women often receive fewer life-saving treatments compared to men, despite needing them just as much.

8. **Prevention Is Possible**: Most heart disease cases are preventable with a heart-healthy lifestyle and regular check-ups.

To combat heart disease, Dr. Pandey suggests several lifestyle changes:

1. **Eat Better**: Prioritize a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while limiting saturated fats.

2. **Stay Active**: Engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise weekly to improve heart health.

3. **Manage Stress**: Find techniques like yoga and meditation to help reduce stress levels, which impact heart risk.

4. **Quit Smoking**: Smoking significantly raises the risk of heart disease; quitting can improve overall health.

5. **Limit Alcohol**: Excessive drinking can lead to serious health issues. Moderation is key for heart health.

6. **Monitor Health**: Regularly check for conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol to manage risks effectively.

Awareness and preventive measures are crucial. It’s important to prioritize heart health, particularly among women, to save lives and improve overall well-being.

For a deeper dive into women’s heart health, refer to the American Heart Association

Source link

Shefali Jariwala,Bigg Boss 13,cardiac arrest,heart disease,women’s health,Shefali Jariwala death cause