Report on Shefali Jariwala’s Death and Women’s Cardiovascular Health: Emphasizing Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

Shefali Jariwala, a renowned actor and model, passed away on June 27, 2025, at the age of 42 due to a reported cardiac arrest. Despite urgent medical attention at Bellevue Multispeciality Hospital in Mumbai, she was declared dead on arrival. Her untimely death highlights the critical issue of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among women, a leading cause of mortality worldwide.

Cardiovascular Disease in Women: A Global and National Perspective

Cardiovascular disease remains the foremost cause of death among women globally, accounting for approximately one in every three female deaths in the United States, according to a 2017 study. In India, heart disease similarly stands as the leading cause of female mortality.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cardiovascular diseases cause 17.3 million deaths annually worldwide. In India, 18.69% of women aged 15 to 49 suffer from untreated hypertension, with higher prevalence in urban areas (21.73%) compared to rural areas (17.09%).

Key Facts About Heart Disease in Women

1. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women, dispelling the myth that it is primarily a “man’s disease.”
2. Women’s heart attack symptoms often differ from classic chest pain, including nausea, fatigue, dizziness, or shortness of breath, which may lead to misdiagnosis.
3. Heart attacks are deadlier for women, with a higher risk of mortality within the first year post-attack due to missed or untreated symptoms.
4. Plaque buildup in women’s arteries differs, complicating detection since standard tests are based on male patterns.
5. Stress and emotional health significantly impact women’s heart disease risk, with anxiety and depression often overlooked.
6. Post-menopause, the risk of heart disease rises sharply due to decreased estrogen levels, increasing risks of hypertension, cholesterol, and heart attacks.
7. Women are less likely than men to receive life-saving treatments such as medication, stents, and CPR.
8. Most heart disease is preventable through a heart-healthy lifestyle, regular medical check-ups, and awareness of symptoms.

Recommended Lifestyle Changes for Prevention

In alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being), early screening and management of risk factors are essential. Dr. Rudradev Pandey recommends the following six lifestyle changes to reduce cardiovascular risk among women:

• Nutritious Diet: Emphasize high fiber, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while limiting saturated and trans fats to lower heart disease risk.
• Regular Exercise: Engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise weekly to improve blood flow and maintain healthy weight.
• Stress Reduction: Implement stress management techniques such as relaxation exercises, yoga, and meditation.
• Smoking Cessation: Quit smoking to significantly reduce heart disease risk and improve overall health.
• Limit Alcohol Consumption: Reduce alcohol intake to prevent associated health issues including high blood pressure and liver disease.
• Manage Chronic Conditions: Control diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol through medication, diet, and regular health monitoring.

Linking Cardiovascular Health to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Promoting cardiovascular health through awareness, prevention, and treatment aligns directly with ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all ages.
• SDG 5: Gender Equality – Addressing the unique cardiovascular health challenges faced by women supports gender equality in healthcare access and outcomes.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Targeted interventions to reduce disparities in heart disease diagnosis and treatment among women contribute to reducing health inequalities.
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Encouraging healthy diets and lifestyle choices supports sustainable consumption patterns beneficial for both health and the environment.

Conclusion

The death of Shefali Jariwala underscores the urgent need to address cardiovascular health in women through education, lifestyle modification, and equitable healthcare access. Integrating these efforts within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals can foster healthier communities and reduce premature mortality from heart disease among women globally.

Note: This report is for informational purposes and does not substitute professional medical advice. Consultation with healthcare professionals is recommended for individual health concerns.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article focuses on cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in women, emphasizing prevention, treatment, and awareness, which directly relates to ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all ages.
2. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • The article highlights the gender-specific aspects of heart disease, such as differences in symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment in women, addressing health inequalities and promoting gender-sensitive healthcare.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Recommendations on lifestyle changes such as nutritious diet, reducing alcohol consumption, and quitting smoking align with promoting responsible consumption patterns.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including access to quality essential health-care services and access to safe, effective, quality, and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all.
2. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Target 5.6: Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights, which includes addressing health issues specific to women such as menopause and cardiovascular risks.
   • Target 5.b: Enhance the use of enabling technology, in particular information and communications technology, to promote the empowerment of women, which can include health education and awareness.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Target 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, which relates indirectly to reducing harmful substances like tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Prevalence of Cardiovascular Diseases in Women
   • The article mentions statistics such as “one of every three female deaths in the US” and “18.69 percent of Indian women between 15 and 49 have untreated hypertension,” which can be used as indicators to track progress in reducing CVD mortality and morbidity.
2. Access to Screening and Treatment
   • Indicators related to the percentage of women receiving early screening for hypertension, diabetes, and cholesterol management are implied as measures of progress towards better prevention and treatment.
3. Lifestyle Risk Factors
   • Indicators such as rates of smoking, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, and unhealthy diet among women are implied as measures to monitor lifestyle changes recommended in the article.
4. Gender Disparities in Treatment
   • The article highlights that women are less likely to receive life-saving treatments compared to men, implying the need for indicators measuring equitable access to healthcare services by gender.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: hindustantimes.com