The entertainment industry is once again in mourning following the sudden death of actress Shefali Jariwala, who passed away on June 27, 2025, at the age of 42 due to cardiac arrest. This tragic event has brought renewed attention to the increasing number of young celebrities succumbing to heart-related ailments, sparking concerns and discussions about cardiac health in younger adults.

Jariwala's death comes nearly four years after the passing of her fellow "Bigg Boss 13" housemate and winner, Sidharth Shukla, who also died of a cardiac arrest on September 2, 2021, at the age of 40. In a tragic coincidence, Jariwala’s last post on X (formerly Twitter) was a tribute to Shukla on his death anniversary. The two actors, who shared screen space on the popular reality show, left a lasting impression on audiences, and their untimely deaths have shocked the entertainment industry and their fans.

Unfortunately, these are not isolated incidents. In recent years, several other young celebrities have died due to heart attacks or cardiac arrest, raising concerns about the growing incidence of heart-related conditions among young public figures. Some notable examples include:

• Puneeth Rajkumar: The Kannada superstar and philanthropist died on October 29, 2021, at the age of 46, due to a heart attack.
• KK (Krishnakumar Kunnath): The acclaimed singer passed away on May 31, 2022, at 53, after a concert in Kolkata, reportedly due to a heart attack.
• Raj Kaushal: The director and producer died on June 30, 2021, at 50, due to a cardiac arrest.
• Raju Srivastav: The renowned comedian suffered a heart attack in August 2022 and passed away on September 21, 2022, at the age of 58.
• Siddhaanth Vir Suryavanshi: The television actor died on May 19, 2022, at 46, due to a cardiac arrest while working out in a gym.
• Chiranjeevi Sarja: The South Indian actor passed away on June 7, 2020, at 35, due to cardiac arrest.

These tragic deaths have prompted experts to voice concerns over the increasing cardiac risks among people in their 30s and 40s. Dr. Devi Prasad Shetty, a renowned cardiac surgeon, addressed these concerns at the BT MindRush 2025 event, emphasizing that regular health monitoring can help lower these incidents and urging people to get tested.

Several factors contribute to the rising incidence of heart-related issues in younger individuals. These include:

• Lifestyle factors: Poor dietary habits, lack of physical exercise, smoking, and excessive consumption of caffeine and alcohol can all contribute to cardiac issues.
• Stress: Academic, professional, and emotional stress can act as a silent trigger for heart problems.
• Underlying medical conditions: High blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high cholesterol can increase the risk of heart attacks and cardiac arrest, especially in women in their 40s and 50s.
• Other potential causes: Coronary artery anomalies, arrhythmias, and myocarditis can also lead to sudden cardiac arrest in young adults.

It is crucial to understand the difference between a heart attack and a cardiac arrest. A heart attack typically occurs when a blocked artery restricts blood flow to the heart, while the heart usually continues to beat. Cardiac arrest, on the other hand, happens when the heart completely stops pumping, leading to unconsciousness and death within seconds if not treated immediately.

To mitigate the risk of heart-related issues, experts recommend adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress-reduction techniques, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Regular health check-ups are also essential for early detection and prevention. The recent deaths of Shefali Jariwala and other young celebrities serve as a stark reminder of the importance of prioritizing heart health at all ages. By raising awareness, promoting healthy habits, and encouraging regular medical check-ups, it may be possible to prevent future tragedies and protect the hearts of the younger generation.