Shefali Jariwala's Death at 42: Experts Warn of These 5 Overlooked Cardiac Arrest Signs

The recent and sudden demise 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. Reports indicate that she suffered a sudden cardiac arrest on the night of June 27th and was declared dead at a Mumbai hospital. She was 42 years old.

While the definitive cause of death is still pending confirmation, preliminary reports suggest sudden cardiac arrest, a critical condition characterized by the abrupt cessation of the heart's function. This tragic event serves as a stark reminder that cardiac arrest is not limited to the elderly or those with pre-existing heart conditions. The body often provides subtle clues that, if recognized promptly, can be life-saving.

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

1. Uncharacteristic and Persistent Fatigue

Feeling tired after a demanding day is a common experience. However, unexplained fatigue that emerges without a clear trigger, feels unusually intense and lingering, and persists despite rest, warrants attention.

The American Heart Association identifies unexplained fatigue as a potential early indicator of heart problems, particularly in women. Individuals who have experienced cardiac arrest have 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 simple sleepiness, gradually intensifying over time.

It's crucial to pay attention to the nature of the fatigue. If the body feels unusually sluggish, even during routine tasks like short walks or climbing stairs, it may signify more than just ordinary tiredness.

2. Chest Tightness or Pressure

Contrary to popular belief, cardiac events often manifest as a sensation of tightness, fullness, or discomfort in the chest rather than acute pain.

This is especially relevant for individuals under 50 and women, who may experience symptoms differently from the classic chest-clutching presentation. Some describe it as a feeling of heaviness, like a constricting belt around the chest or an invisible weight pressing down.

Such sensations should not be dismissed as mere gas, muscle strain, or stress. If the feeling arises suddenly or intensifies with physical activity, it could indicate that the heart is not receiving adequate oxygen, a precursor to cardiac arrest.

3. Irregular Heartbeats

An elevated heart rate following exercise or stress is a normal physiological response. However, if the heart begins to beat erratically – too fast, too slow, or with skipped beats – without an obvious reason, it merits medical evaluation.

This condition, known as arrhythmia, is frequently observed in individuals before experiencing cardiac arrest. It can manifest as palpitations, a fluttering or pounding sensation in the chest. In some cases, it may be asymptomatic and only detected through medical testing.

Rhythm changes are particularly concerning when they occur during rest or sleep, or when accompanied by dizziness or shortness of breath. These symptoms suggest that the electrical signals regulating the heart are malfunctioning, a critical factor in cardiac arrest.

4. Sudden Onset of Shortness of Breath

Breathlessness is not always associated with lung conditions. In numerous cardiac cases, particularly preceding a sudden arrest, individuals experience a peculiar shortness of breath that seems disproportionate to the situation.

This can occur even while at rest or performing light activities. It may feel like an inability to fully catch one's breath, despite the lungs functioning normally. Some individuals may also experience mild chest discomfort or light-headedness.

The underlying medical explanation is that when the heart's pumping efficiency is compromised, oxygen supply diminishes, leading to breathing difficulties. This symptom may manifest several days before a significant cardiac event, providing a crucial opportunity for intervention.

5. Dizziness or Lightheadedness

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

Cardiac arrest often results in reduced blood flow to the brain. When the heart fails to pump adequately, the brain promptly detects the deficiency, leading to dizziness, confusion, or even temporary loss of consciousness in some cases.

Many individuals who have experienced cardiac arrest have reported fainting or feeling faint in the days prior, but did not attribute it to a heart problem. These episodes can serve as silent alarms, particularly in individuals without a history of such occurrences.

[This article is based on available reports and health guidelines]