Shefali Jariwala Passes Away at 42 Due to Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Shefali Jariwala dies at 42 due to sudden heart attack – Why are 40-year-old women at higher risk?

In a shocking and heartbreaking incident, actress and artist Shefali Jariwala, known for her iconic role in Kanta Laga and her performance in Bigg Boss, passed away late on Friday night at the age of 42. According to reports, Shefali suffered a sudden heart attack at home. Her husband immediately took her to the hospital, but unfortunately, she was declared dead on arrival. Mumbai Police has confirmed that a forensic team has been sent to the spot and the cause of death is being officially ascertained. However, initial indications suggest that a sudden heart attack was the cause.

Shefali’s sudden death has once again drawn attention to a growing health concern: the rising incidence of heart attacks among women in their 40s. Once considered a male-centric problem, heart disease has become a leading cause of death in women, especially in the peri-menopausal or early menopause stages.

As women cross the age of 40, their risk of heart disease increases significantly due to a combination of biological, lifestyle, and genetic factors. One of the main factors is hormonal changes specifically, the decline in estrogen levels during perimenopause and menopause. Estrogen plays a protective role in cardiovascular health, and its decline can increase the risk of high blood pressure, unhealthy cholesterol levels, and plaque buildup in the arteries.

Stress is another important factor, especially among working women who juggle multiple responsibilities at home and work. Chronic stress can increase blood pressure and inflammation, both of which put strain on the heart over time.

Many women live with undiagnosed conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol, which often remain silent until a major heart event occurs. Routine health checkups are often overlooked, which delays diagnosis and treatment.

Lifestyle habits compound the problem. A sedentary lifestyle, poor dietary choices, lack of regular exercise, insufficient sleep, and smoking all contribute to long-term heart damage. These habits, which develop slowly over time, can significantly increase your risk of heart disease.

Finally, family history plays a role. Women with a genetic predisposition to heart disease are at higher risk, especially when combined with the risk factors mentioned above. Early identification of these factors and proactive health and lifestyle changes are essential to reduce risk and ensure long-term heart health.