R.I.P. Shefali Jariwala (42) and the 23 people in Hassan, Karnataka, who died of sudden cardiac arrest in just 40 days.
This isn’t an isolated incident. India is the heart attack capital of the world, and the evidence is alarming.
The Grim Reality
Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)—especially Atherosclerosis (narrowing of arteries due to plaque build-up)—is the No. 1 cause of death in India.
- Every 1 in 4 Indians reading this is statistically likely to die of a heart attack or stroke.
- Over 28,000 people under age 40 died from ischemic heart disease in India in 2022 alone.
- 50% of heart attacks are “silent”—the first symptom is sudden death.
- Women are 10 times more likely to die from a heart attack than from breast cancer.
We’re not just hearing about this more often—it’s happening more often.
What Medical Science Tells Us
According to research (AHA, ESC, Indian Heart Journal):
- Atherosclerosis begins in childhood—often as early as age 10—and silently progresses for decades.
- It is nearly universal with age—you either die from it or with it.
- LDL-C (“bad cholesterol”) alone is not enough to predict heart risk.
Better indicators include:- ApoB (Apolipoprotein B): Reflects the number of atherogenic particles.
- Lp(a): A genetically determined cholesterol that massively raises heart risk.
- High triglycerides and low HDL-C (“good cholesterol”) also predict heart events better.
- Family history, lifestyle, and genetic factors all contribute.
What Makes You High-Risk?
- Age: Risk increases sharply after 30, regardless of fitness.
- Family History: If your parents, grandparents, or their siblings had heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, or died early—you are at risk.
- Smoking, vaping, and alcohol: Each independently increases early heart attack risk.
- Hidden accelerators:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
- Chronic stress
- High uric acid
All of these increase arterial inflammation and the risk of plaque rupture.
The Medical Checklist (If You’re Over 30)
- Blood Pressure (every 6 months)
- Fasting Lipid Profile (including Triglycerides, HDL, LDL, Total Cholesterol)
- ApoB and Lp(a) levels
- HbA1c (Diabetes screening)
- High-sensitivity CRP (to measure inflammation)
- Waist-to-Height Ratio (target <0.5)
- If family history or results are concerning, CT Coronary Angiography to assess blockages
What Can You Do Today?
Preventing a heart attack is not complex—but it requires discipline.
i. Sleep 7.5–8.5 hours every night. Chronic sleep deprivation raises blood pressure and insulin resistance.
ii. Eat 20–30% less than you feel like eating. Overeating leads to metabolic strain.
iii. Cut added sugars and refined carbs, especially in liquid form (juices, colas, packaged drinks).
iv. Exercise regularly:
- Cardio: Brisk walking, cycling, or swimming (3–4 days per week)
- Strength Training: Build muscle and improve insulin sensitivity (2–3 days per week)
v. Listen to your body:
Chest discomfort, pain radiating to the jaw or left arm, sudden toothache, cold sweats, or unexplained fatigue could be early signs.
Do not wait—consult a cardiologist immediately.
Bottom Line
Heart attacks are not a “rich people problem” or an “old age issue.”
They are a lifestyle-driven epidemic, often genetically primed and environmentally triggered.
Do not wait for a tragedy in your circle to take action.
Measure. Understand. Act.
Because sudden death isn’t rare—it’s just unprepared.
May Shefali and the victims of Hassan rest in peace.
Let their stories be a wake-up call, not just a headline.