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

The recent passing of actress and model Shefali Jariwala, known for her role in the hit song "Kaanta Laga," has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry. Reports indicate that the 42-year-old suffered a sudden cardiac arrest on the night of June 27th. Despite immediate medical attention at a Mumbai hospital, she could not be revived.

While the specific cause of death is yet to be officially confirmed, preliminary information points to sudden cardiac arrest, a critical condition characterized by the abrupt cessation of heart function. This tragic event highlights the fact that cardiac arrest is not limited to older individuals or those with pre-existing heart conditions. Often, the body provides subtle indications that, if recognized early, could potentially 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 a common experience. However, unexplained fatigue that arises without any apparent reason, feels unusually intense and lingering, and persists even after rest, warrants attention.

The American Heart Association identifies unexplained fatigue as a potential early symptom of heart problems, particularly in women. Some individuals who experienced cardiac arrest reported feeling severely drained for days or even weeks leading up to the event. This exhaustion may not manifest as simple sleepiness but rather as a pervasive loss of energy that gradually intensifies. It is crucial to pay attention to how the body feels. If one experiences unusual sluggishness, even during minor activities like short walks or climbing stairs, it should not be dismissed as mere tiredness.

2. Chest Tightness or Pressure

Contrary to popular belief, cardiac arrest doesn't always begin with intense chest pain. In many cases, the initial symptom is a more subtle sensation of tightness, fullness, or an indescribable discomfort in the chest.

This is particularly true for individuals under 50 and women, where the signs may differ from the stereotypical "clutching-the-chest" presentation. Some describe it as a feeling of heaviness, akin to a constricting belt around the chest or an invisible weight pressing down. Such sensations should not be easily attributed to gas, muscle strain, or stress. If the feeling arises suddenly or worsens with physical activity, it could indicate that the heart is not receiving adequate oxygen, a precursor to cardiac arrest.

3. Irregular Heartbeats

Experiencing a rapid heartbeat after exercise or stress is normal. However, when the heart starts beating abnormally fast, too slow, or with skipped beats, without any clear trigger, it's important to seek medical advice.

This condition, known as arrhythmia, is frequently observed in individuals before cardiac arrest. It can manifest as palpitations, a fluttering or pounding sensation in the chest. In some instances, it may be asymptomatic and only detectable through medical tests. It is particularly concerning when these rhythm disturbances occur during rest or sleep, or when accompanied by dizziness or shortness of breath. This suggests that the electrical signals within the heart are malfunctioning, a critical factor in cardiac arrest.

4. Sudden Shortness of Breath

Difficulty breathing isn't always associated with lung problems. In numerous cardiac arrest cases, a peculiar and disproportionate shortness of breath is experienced before the event.

This can occur even while sitting or engaging in light activity. It may feel like an inability to fully inhale, despite the lungs appearing healthy. Some individuals may also experience mild chest discomfort or light-headedness. The underlying cause is that when the heart's pumping efficiency is compromised, oxygen supply decreases, leading to breathing difficulties. This symptom may appear a few days prior to a significant cardiac arrest event, providing a crucial opportunity for intervention.

5. Dizziness or Lightheadedness

While dizziness can be caused by various harmless factors, sudden, unexplained dizziness, especially when accompanied by nausea, sweating, or paleness, should not be disregarded.

Cardiac arrest often results in reduced blood flow to the brain. When the heart fails to pump effectively, the brain quickly detects the deficiency, leading to dizziness, confusion, or even temporary loss of consciousness in some cases. Many cardiac arrest survivors have reported experiencing fainting spells or feeling faint in the days preceding the event but did not attribute it to their heart. These fainting episodes can serve as warning signs, especially in individuals without a history of such occurrences.

Identifying underlying conditions that predispose to sudden cardiac arrest

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