Shefali Jariwala's Death at 42: Experts Warn of Overlooked Cardiac Arrest Signs

The recent passing of actress and model Shefali Jariwala, best known for her role in the early 2000s hit song "Kaanta Laga," has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry. Jariwala reportedly suffered a sudden cardiac arrest on the night of June 27th and was pronounced dead at a Mumbai hospital. She was only 42 years old.

While the exact cause of death is still pending confirmation, initial reports point to sudden cardiac arrest, a critical medical emergency where the heart abruptly ceases to function. This tragic event highlights the fact that cardiac arrest can strike individuals of all ages, even those without pre-existing heart conditions. Often, the body exhibits subtle warning signs that, if recognized promptly, can be life-saving.

Here are five frequently overlooked or misinterpreted warning signs of sudden cardiac arrest:

1. Persistent, Unexplained Exhaustion

Feeling tired after a demanding day is normal, but unexplained fatigue that emerges without a clear reason, feels deep and persistent, and doesn't improve with rest should raise concern.

The American Heart Association identifies unexplained fatigue as a potential early symptom of heart issues, particularly in women. Some individuals who experienced cardiac arrest reported debilitating fatigue in the days or weeks leading up to the event. This fatigue may manifest as a profound loss of energy rather than mere sleepiness, making even minor tasks feel strenuous. If your body feels unusually sluggish, especially during simple activities like walking short distances or climbing stairs, it could be more than "just tiredness."

2. Chest Tightness or Pressure

Contrary to popular belief, cardiac events don't always begin with sharp chest pain. Instead, they often start with a subtle sensation of tightness, fullness, or an indefinable discomfort in the chest.

This is particularly common in individuals under 50 and in women, where symptoms may differ from the classic "clutching-the-chest" presentation. Some describe it as a heavy feeling, akin to a tightening belt or an invisible weight pressing down on the chest. Such sensations should not be dismissed as mere gas, muscle strain, or stress. Sudden onset or worsening with exertion warrants immediate attention, as it may indicate that the heart isn't receiving enough oxygen—a precursor to cardiac arrest.

3. Irregular Heartbeat

A rapid heartbeat following exercise or stress is expected. However, an unusually fast, slow, or erratic heartbeat without a clear trigger requires investigation.

This condition, known as arrhythmia, is frequently observed in individuals before cardiac arrest. It can manifest as palpitations, fluttering, or pounding in the chest. In some instances, it may be asymptomatic and only detectable through medical tests. It's especially concerning when these rhythm disturbances occur during rest or sleep, or when accompanied by dizziness or shortness of breath. These symptoms suggest a malfunction in the heart's electrical signals, a significant factor in cardiac arrest.

4. Sudden Shortness of Breath

Breathlessness isn't solely linked to lung problems. In many cardiac cases, particularly before sudden arrest, individuals experience a disproportionate breathlessness.

This can occur even while sitting or during light activity. It may feel like an inability to fully "catch" your breath, despite seemingly healthy lungs. Some may also experience mild chest discomfort or lightheadedness. Medically, this occurs because a poorly functioning heart reduces oxygen supply, leading to breathing difficulties. Recognizing this symptom in the days leading up to a major cardiac event is crucial.

5. Dizziness or Fainting

While dizziness can stem from various benign causes, sudden, unexplained dizziness, especially when accompanied by nausea, sweating, or paleness, should not be ignored.

Cardiac arrest often leads to reduced blood flow to the brain. A struggling heart fails to pump adequately, and the brain quickly senses this deficit. This results in dizziness, confusion, or even temporary blackouts in some individuals. Many cardiac arrest survivors report experiencing fainting spells in the preceding days but dismissed them as unrelated to their heart. These episodes can serve as silent alarms, particularly for those with no prior history of such issues.

Disclaimer: This article is based on available reports and health guidelines and is intended for informational purposes only. Consult with a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.