The sudden demise of actor and model Shefali Jariwala, popularly known for her appearance in Kaanta Laga and Bigg Boss 13, has sent shockwaves across the entertainment industry and her fanbase. The 42-year-old was rushed to Bellevue Multispeciality Hospital in Mumbai on June 27 after reportedly suffering a cardiac arrest, but was declared dead on arrival.
Her untimely death has reignited a critical health conversation: Heart disease is still the No. 1 killer of women—and yet, it remains dangerously underestimated.
A Silent Epidemic: The Gender Gap in Heart Health
According to cardiologists and global health data, cardiovascular diseases claim more lives each year than any other cause—especially among women. A 2017 study in PubMed Central and WHO data reveal that over 17 million women die annually from cardiovascular-related conditions worldwide. In India alone, heart disease has overtaken cancer as the leading cause of death among women.
What’s worse? Symptoms often go unnoticed, or are misdiagnosed, because the medical field has historically centered around male-centric symptoms.
“CVDs now kill 10 times more women than breast cancer,” says Dr. Rudradev Pandey, Interventional Cardiologist at CK Birla Hospital, Jaipur. “Yet women are less likely to receive timely diagnosis or life-saving interventions.”
8 Urgent Heart Facts Every Woman Must KnowCardiologist Dr. Dmitry Yaranov recently highlighted 8 vital truths on Instagram that all women should be aware of:
- It’s not just a man’s disease—heart disease is the top cause of death in women.
- Symptoms can differ: nausea, fatigue, dizziness—not just chest pain.
- Women are more likely to die within a year of a heart attack.
- Plaque builds differently in women’s arteries, complicating detection.
- Stress, anxiety, and depression impact heart health more in women.
- Post-menopause, risk spikes as estrogen levels drop.
- Women receive fewer treatments—from meds to CPR.
- Good news: It’s preventable through awareness and lifestyle choices.
6 Lifestyle Changes to Protect Women’s Hearts
In light of Shefali’s tragic death, doctors are urging women to take proactive control of their heart health. Dr. Pandey outlines six practical lifestyle changes that can drastically reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease:
1. Adopt a Heart-Friendly Diet
Fruits, vegetables, fiber, and whole grains help manage cholesterol and blood pressure. Cut down on saturated and trans fats.
2. Exercise Regularly
Aim for 150 minutes per week of moderate aerobic activity. Walking, cycling, and even dancing count.
3. Manage Stress Intelligently
Yoga, meditation, journaling, and breathwork are powerful tools. Stress raises cortisol, which can directly affect your heart.
4. Quit Smoking Immediately
It damages blood vessels and increases clot formation. Women smokers are at significantly higher risk than male smokers.
5. Limit Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol increases blood pressure and weakens heart muscle. Stick to medical guidelines or eliminate it entirely.
6. Control Chronic Conditions Early
Hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol must be managed with regular check-ups, medication, and diet.
A Wake-Up Call for Women’s Health
Shefali Jariwala’s death is a tragic loss—but it also serves as a reminder: heart disease does not discriminate by age, fame, or fitness level. In many cases, prevention is within our control.
As awareness rises, doctors hope women will no longer ignore symptoms, delay care, or assume heart disease is a man’s issue. A proactive lifestyle and timely screening could be the life-saving difference.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Please consult your physician for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.