Shefali Jariwala dies at 42: 50% of young Indians experience heart attacks. Doctor explains why cardiac arrest is no longer an old-age disease

Fans of Shefali Jariwala were left in a state of shock after the news of the actress’s death hit headlines. Jariwala, best known for the 2002 chartbuster ‘Kaanta Laga’, passed away at the age of 42 due to a massive cardiac arrest. As per a Times Of India report, Jariwala was rushed to the Bellevue Multispeciality Hospital by her husband Parag Tyagi, but was declared dead upon arrival.

Her sudden demise has thrown light to India’s silent but deadly epidemic - heart attacks in people younger than 50.

India’s Silent But Deadly Epidemic

Though aging is a well-established factor that raises the likelihood of heart attacks—with men typically facing increased vulnerability after the age of 45 and women after 55—the idea that heart attacks only affect older adults is increasingly being challenged. Alarmingly, individuals in their 30s and 40s are not exempt from this life-threatening condition.

In India, Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) tends to strike at a significantly earlier stage in life when compared to other global populations. According to medical experts, over half of the fatalities related to CAD in the Indian population are recorded in people younger than 50. This early onset of cardiac events is a troubling national health trend, with young adults bearing a surprising portion of the burden.

Scientific studies have observed that between 25% and 40% of patients suffering from acute myocardial infarction (commonly referred to as a heart attack) are under the age of 40. These figures underscore the alarming presence of cardiac issues among the youth and contradict the commonly held belief that heart ailments are a problem only for the elderly.

This disturbing pattern appears to be unique to Indians, who, as per epidemiological data, experience heart attacks nearly ten years earlier than individuals belonging to other ethnic communities. The Indian Heart Association has corroborated this claim, citing data that highlights a significant incidence of early cardiac events. A report released by Apollo Hospitals, referencing Indian Heart Association statistics, emphasizes that 50% of heart attacks in India occur in people below 50 years of age. Even more concerning, one in four heart attacks affect Indians who are under 40.

This early age of onset not only points to a deeply rooted genetic predisposition among Indians but also reflects broader lifestyle and environmental factors that contribute to early cardiovascular damage. Poor diet, high stress levels, lack of exercise, and increasing rates of smoking and diabetes are compounding the problem, leading to a silent crisis in heart health among the country’s younger demographics.

Why Heart Problems Are Becoming Rampant Among Young?

In an interview with ET Panache, Dr. Sarita Rao, Senior Interventional Cardiologist & Director Cathlab, Apollo Hospitals Indore, outlined some genetic and lifestyle factors which may make people younger than 50, vulnerable to heart issues. These include:

Hidden Hypertension and Elevated Cholesterol Levels

Unrecognized high blood pressure and undetected spikes in cholesterol can silently wear down the walls of the arteries over years. These conditions, often showing no symptoms in the early stages, steadily narrow and weaken blood vessels, laying the foundation for future heart-related complications.

Tobacco Use and E-Cigarettes

Whether it’s conventional smoking or modern vaping, both introduce harmful chemicals that hasten the accumulation of fatty deposits in the blood vessels. This buildup, known as plaque, clogs arteries and restricts blood flow, greatly elevating the likelihood of a heart event.

Blood Sugar Imbalances and Insulin Dysfunction

People living with diabetes — and even those with mild insulin resistance — face a significantly greater danger of heart problems. Elevated glucose levels damage the blood vessels and impair their ability to function efficiently, heightening cardiovascular risk even in younger individuals.

Chronic Psychological Strain and Irregular Sleep Patterns

Long-term emotional stress, combined with insufficient or poor-quality sleep, can spark harmful changes within the cardiovascular system. Persistent tension may cause arterial spasms or promote inflammation, both of which can interfere with normal heart rhythms and blood flow.

Physical Inactivity or Excessive Exercise

An overly sedentary lifestyle deprives the heart of the movement it needs to remain strong, while overexerting the body without proper recovery can place excessive strain on the heart. Both lack of activity and extreme workouts have been linked to weakened cardiac function and increased vulnerability to heart episodes.

Recreational Substance Abuse

Illicit drugs such as cocaine and stimulant-based substances like amphetamines are known to trigger abrupt and severe cardiac episodes. These chemicals can cause sudden narrowing of arteries, abnormal heart rhythms, and increased blood pressure — all of which can be life-threatening.

Autoimmune Conditions

Diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis don’t just affect joints and skin — they can also inflict damage on the blood vessels. The body’s own immune system, in a state of constant activation, may inflame arteries and raise the risk of plaque formation and arterial blockages.

Inherited Cardiac Disorders

Genetic conditions such as Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy (HOCM) and Long QT Syndrome often remain undiagnosed, especially in younger populations. These hereditary heart irregularities can disrupt normal heart rhythms and may result in sudden, fatal cardiac incidents if not identified and managed in time.

Why Even 'Healthy' People May Be at Risk of Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Dr. Rao emphasized that a person’s external appearance of fitness does not always guarantee a healthy heart. Beneath the surface, several hidden factors can increase the risk of sudden cardiac arrest—even in individuals who appear slim, active, and in good shape. Here’s a breakdown of the underlying causes that can silently endanger seemingly healthy lives:

Inherited Cardiac Disorders

Some people carry genetic abnormalities like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy—a condition where the heart muscle becomes abnormally thick. This condition can exist without any noticeable signs, yet it significantly raises the risk of heart failure or arrhythmias, especially during physical exertion.

Abnormal Development of Coronary Arteries

Although rare, some individuals are born with unusual formations in their coronary arteries. These structural irregularities can hinder proper blood flow to the heart, especially during intense activity or stress. Often undiagnosed until a serious episode occurs, these anomalies can be life-threatening.

Irregular Electrical Activity in the Heart

Disorders such as Long QT syndrome or Brugada syndrome interfere with the heart’s natural rhythm. These electrical conditions can cause the heart to beat too fast, too slow, or erratically—sometimes leading to sudden collapse without any prior symptoms.

Excessive Emotional or Physiological Stress

Prolonged psychological strain or surging cortisol levels (the stress hormone) can overwhelm the cardiovascular system. Even those in good physical shape can experience what’s often referred to as “broken heart syndrome,” where acute emotional trauma results in a temporary, but severe, weakening of the heart muscle.

Ongoing Low-Level Inflammation in the Body

A continuous state of internal inflammation—caused by an unhealthy diet, autoimmune diseases, or lingering infections—can gradually damage blood vessels and heart tissues. This inflammation may remain unnoticed for years but still contributes to long-term cardiovascular risk.

Metabolic Dysfunction Hidden Behind a Lean Frame

Just because someone is slim doesn’t mean they’re metabolically healthy. Some individuals suffer from a condition known as “normal-weight obesity,” where harmful visceral fat accumulates around vital organs despite a normal body mass index. These hidden fat stores can disrupt hormones and metabolism, increasing the likelihood of heart issues.

Women May Experience Different Symptoms



Dr Rao underlined that an impending cardiac arrest may manifest through different symptoms in men and women. Women are more likely to experience:

• Nausea, indigestion and vomiting
• Fatigue.
• Dizziness.
• Pain in nec, shoulder or back.
• Mild chest pain.

Cardiac Arrest Red Flags Never To Ignore



Seek immediate help if you or someone experiences:

⦁ Persistent chest pain, pressure, or tightness

⦁ Shortness of breath, with or without chest discomfort

⦁ Pain that spreads to arms, neck, back, jaw, or stomach

⦁ Nausea or vomiting not linked to food

⦁ Cold sweats or clammy skin

⦁ Sudden fatigue or dizziness

⦁ A feeling of dread or anxiety

⦁ Golden Rule: If symptoms last more than 5 minutes, call emergency services — don't self-diagnose or wait.

Have A Heart Healthy Diet

While certain factors like a genetic predisposition towards heart problems are out of your control, you can certainly lower your risk by following a heart healthy diet free from processed food items and high calorie dishes, explains Dr Rao.


A heart-healthy diet focuses on anti-inflammatory, nutrient-rich, and balanced eating. Top choices include:

⦁ Fatty Fish: Salmon, mackerel, sardines (rich in omega-3s)

⦁ Fruits and Vegetables: Berries, leafy greens, avocados

⦁ Whole Grains: Oats, quinoa, barley, brown rice

⦁ Nuts and Seeds: Walnuts, flaxseeds, chia seeds

⦁ Legumes: Lentils, chickpeas, beans

⦁ Olive Oil: Replace butter or ghee for cooking

⦁ Dark Chocolate (in moderation): Contains heart-healthy flavonoids

⦁ Green Tea: May reduce blood pressure and cholesterol

⦁ Low-fat Dairy or Fortified Plant Milk: For calcium and potassium

Limit your intake of processed meats, sugar-sweetened beverages, excess sodium, and trans fats.

Is Heart Attack & Cardiac Arrest The Same?

As outlined by the British Heart Foundation, it is important to understand that a heart attack and a cardiac arrest are two distinct medical emergencies, even though they are often confused.

A heart attack occurs when one of the coronary arteries—the vessels that supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle—becomes obstructed. When this blockage happens, the flow of blood to a portion of the heart is disrupted, depriving it of the oxygen it needs to function properly. Without prompt medical intervention, this oxygen deprivation can lead to the gradual damage or death of heart muscle tissue.

In contrast, a cardiac arrest is a much more immediate and life-threatening event. It takes place when the heart suddenly stops functioning as a pump and fails to circulate blood throughout the body. As a result, the individual stops breathing or breathes abnormally and loses consciousness very quickly. This condition requires urgent resuscitation, often with CPR or a defibrillator, to restart the heart and restore circulation.

According to the British Heart Foundation, in many adult cases, cardiac arrests are actually triggered by a heart attack. This happens because the damage or stress caused by the heart attack can lead to an abnormal and potentially fatal heart rhythm—known medically as an arrhythmia—which may then result in the heart ceasing to beat altogether.

Understanding the relationship between these two conditions is crucial. While a heart attack is primarily a circulation problem caused by blocked arteries, a cardiac arrest is an electrical issue where the heart’s rhythm fails, often as a consequence of the damage done during a heart attack. Recognizing the symptoms early and responding quickly can mean the difference between life and death.