Shefali Jariwala to Sidharth Shukla and others: Why sudden celebrity deaths are raising alarm bells for heart health in young adults

Sudden celebrity deaths often leave fans shocked, especially when the person appeared fit and healthy just days or even hours earlier. Whether it’s an actor collapsing after a gym session or a sports star passing away in their sleep, such incidents grab headlines and raise unsettling questions. “In many cases, the underlying cause is an undiagnosed genetic heart condition,” warns Dr Ranjan Modi, Senior Consultant & Head, Interventional Cardiology at Sarvodaya Hospital, Faridabad.

“Conditions like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), Brugada syndrome and long QT syndrome may remain silent for years until they trigger a fatal event like sudden cardiac arrest.
Additionally, lifestyle choices also play a huge role," says Dr Modi.

He adds that "stress, lack of sleep, smoking, alcohol misuse, and stimulant use, common in high-pressure professions, can all strain the heart. Even without a genetic risk, factors like unmanaged blood pressure or coronary artery disease can lead to fatal arrhythmias.

Also read | Shefali Jariwala Death: Police officials suspect anti-ageing injection while fasting may have triggered cardiac arrest

Symptoms of heart disease most people ignore:

Sudden dizziness, unexplained fatigue, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, or chest discomfort, even if mild, should never be ignored. Unfortunately, young celebrities often dismiss these symptoms due to their hectic schedules. “The pressure to push through is high, but awareness and early medical attention can make the difference between life and death,” he says.

How to prevent heart diseases:

Regular heart screenings, including ECGs and stress tests, can detect underlying risks. Managing stress, getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and avoiding performance-enhancing supplements is crucial. Most importantly, listen to your body. If something feels off, seek medical advice immediately. Even if you are young, fit, and active, heart issues can still happen.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.