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The recent passing of Shefali Jariwala, renowned for her role in 'Kaanta Laga', who reportedly succumbed to a cardiac arrest last week, has renewed attention on the alarming rise of heart attack incidents among adults in India. This troubling trend in cardiovascular diseases, affecting even seemingly healthy individuals, raises critical concerns and prompts an important question: are exercise routines and wellness practices sufficient? Dr. Dhirendra Singhania, who serves as Principal Consultant in Interventional Cardiology at Yashoda Super Speciality Hospitals in Kaushambi, addressed this matter, highlighting that the primary contributors to heart attack risk include the use of steroids, insufficient sleep, and hormonal treatments, particularly in women.
He emphasized, "Everyone, including celebrities and everyday individuals, will face health challenges if they neglect the body's needs. Celebrities often strive to maintain their physique for appearances, and the methods they employ are not always transparent. Sleep deprivation is recognized as a risk factor for heart disease, and it is not uncommon for many in the public eye to remain awake for extended periods." Dr. Singhania continued by stating, "The use of steroids, drug misuse, and hormonal treatments for women, such as hormone replacement therapy for menopause and oral contraceptives, can elevate heart attack risk." Furthermore, he noted that factors like stress and addiction to social media lead to heightened blood pressure and cortisol levels, which can ultimately result in cardiovascular ailments. He also presented the case of a 36-year-old man who recently survived a heart attack, revealing that this individual had no history of smoking, drinking, or pre-existing medical issues, yet still fell victim to this severe condition.
Shefali Jariwala passed away at the age of 42 on Friday night, with preliminary reports indicating a cardiac arrest as the cause of death, although the precise details are still under investigation. The actor's postmortem examination was conducted at Cooper Hospital in Mumbai and was documented on video. Authorities and forensic specialists examined Ms. Jariwala's home, discovering glutathione (a medication commonly used for skin lightening and detoxifying), Vitamin C injections, and antacid pills; these items suggest she may have been undergoing dangerous, unsupervised anti-aging treatments. In response, Dr. Singhania explained that while glutathione and Vitamin C sustained use in anti-aging procedures are not inherently cardiotoxic, they do not induce cardiovascular strain. "Anti-aging treatments typically do not produce significant side effects, but if she was also undergoing any hormone therapy, that could introduce potential risks," he noted. It is worth mentioning that Ms. Jariwala was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of 15.
Regarding epilepsy, Dr. Singhania commented, "The associated risks largely depend on the medications prescribed, but in general, they are not considered high-risk for heart attacks." Shefali Jariwala gained fame in 2002 with the remix video 'Kaanta Laga'. Additionally, she appeared in a small role in the 2004 movie 'Mujhse Shaadi Karogi' and participated in reality television series 'Nach Baliye 5' and 'Nach Baliye 7' alongside her husband, actor Parag Tyagi.
