Hair fall, fatigue, mood swings and can't lose weight? You might have a thyroid problem, here's why young Indians are at risk
More and more young Indians are being diagnosed with thyroid disorders today, and doctors are concerned. Experts say lifestyle, stress, and diet are the major reasons behind this growing issue.The thyroid is a small gland in the neck that produces hormones to control your body's energy, metabolism, and mood. When it doesn't work properly, it can either produce too much hormone (hyperthyroidism) or too little (hypothyroidism).Common symptoms include:Doctors suggest:Experts say early diagnosis and proper treatment can help manage thyroid disorders easily. So, if you feel 'off' for weeks, don't ignore it, your thyroid could be the reason.Inputs from agencies
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News18
43 minutes ago
- News18
Why Heart Disease Is The No.1 Killer Of Indian Women: Doctors React To Shefali Jariwala's Death
Cardiovascular disease remains the top killer of women—not just Shefali, but countless others. It kills 10 times more women than breast cancer Actor and model Shefali Jariwala, popularly known as the 'Kaanta Laga girl", tragically passed away on the night of June 27. At the age of 42, she is believed to have suffered a sudden cardiac arrest. In another recent case, 27-year-old textile trader Rushabh Gandhi collapsed due to cardiac arrest inside his shop in Surat's Padmavati Textile Market. CCTV footage shows him slumping while seated, with no apparent warning signs. Just a few months earlier, in April, 20-year-old Varsha Kharat, a student in Maharashtra, collapsed while delivering a speech during her college farewell event—an incident that was also caught on camera and widely circulated. These back-to-back incidents raise a deeply worrying question: why are seemingly healthy young Indians succumbing to heart-related emergencies? Sudden cardiac arrest occurs when the heart abruptly stops beating or is unable to pump blood effectively. The conversation around this growing trend gathered urgency after the death of singer KK in 2022. Kannada superstar Puneeth Rajkumar, TV actor Sidharth Shukla, and director Raj Kaushal are among several other celebrities who lost their lives to cardiac arrest at a young age. Are Indians more vulnerable to heart attacks? According to an extensive study, the Indian subcontinent has witnessed a sharp rise in cardiovascular deaths. Mortality due to coronary heart disease has more than doubled since 1990 and is projected to rise by another 50% by 2030. In 2017 alone, around 26 lakh Indians died from cardiovascular disease, making it the leading cause of death in the country. Another study, the Global Burden of Disease, reports a cardiovascular death rate of 272 per 100,000 in India, significantly higher than the global average of 235 per 100,000. Researchers believe this is partly due to a higher prevalence of type-2 diabetes, insulin resistance, and other metabolic disorders among Indians compared to Europeans. These factors contribute to an increased risk of coronary artery disease at a younger age. Women at greater risk? Genetics plays a role, but so do lifestyle choices and limited awareness. Unfortunately, the risk is compounded in women. 'Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women, yet many still believe it's a man's disease," said Dr Subrat Akhoury, chairman–cath lab and interventional cardiologist, Asian Hospital. 'Women often don't experience the classic chest pain. Instead, they may feel nausea, fatigue, dizziness, or shortness of breath—symptoms that are easily overlooked or misdiagnosed." Plaque builds up differently in women's arteries, making diagnosis more difficult. Mental health is another important yet overlooked risk factor. 'Anxiety and depression impact women more, especially post-menopause, when the risk of heart disease rises sharply," Dr Akhoury added. 'But the good news is, most of it is preventable through awareness, regular screening, and healthy habits." Dr Ashish Agarwal, director of cardiology at Aakash Healthcare, said, 'Both globally and in India, women's cardiac problems are rising. Cardiovascular disease remains the top killer of women—not just Shefali, but countless others. It kills 10 times more women than breast cancer." According to NFHS 2020 data, 18.69% of Indian women aged 15-49 have untreated hypertension. 'Early screening and management of risk factors like diabetes, hypertension, and cholesterol are crucial," Dr Agarwal said. 'Shefali's sudden passing is a stark reminder of how heart diseases can strike silently—even in those who seem outwardly healthy." Post-Covid concerns and the vaccine debate Since the Covid-19 pandemic, clinicians have reported an uptick in cardiovascular complications—including myocarditis, arrhythmias, and heart attacks—even in patients who had mild infections. However, there has been public speculation about the role of Covid-19 vaccines in these incidents. A study published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research clarified that Covid-19 vaccination does not increase the risk of unexplained sudden death among young adults. Instead, risk was higher in individuals with a prior history of Covid hospitalisation, a family history of sudden death, and certain lifestyle and health factors. Obesity, smoking, diabetes, high stress, and undiagnosed heart conditions remain significant contributors to the trend. Shefali's other battle: Living with epilepsy Beyond cardiac concerns, Shefali had openly spoken about living with epilepsy for over 15 years—another condition that carries a significant emotional and physiological burden. 'Her experience illustrates the profound toll repeated seizures can take," said Dr Praveen Gupta, chairman, Marengo Asia International Institute of Neuro and Spine. 'She described seizures striking at school, backstage, or even while travelling. That unpredictability affects not just physical health, but mental well-being and confidence." Stress and anxiety—which Shefali cited as frequent triggers—are known to worsen neurological symptoms. 'It's vital to address both the physiological and emotional sides of epilepsy with a comprehensive care plan that includes medication, lifestyle changes, stress management, and psychological support," Dr Gupta said. He credited Shefali for raising public awareness and breaking stigma around epilepsy—an effort that has helped countless others facing similar conditions. What can be done? Medical professionals are calling for urgent reforms in how India monitors and responds to cardiac health. Firstly, cardiac screening should be expanded in schools, colleges, and workplaces. Early monitoring of blood pressure, sugar, kidney function, cholesterol, and stress levels must be encouraged, especially for those with a family history. Basic life support training (CPR) for teachers, coaches, and business owners can be lifesaving in emergencies. Also, women-specific heart health campaigns are urgently needed to increase awareness, especially about non-typical symptoms. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : health heart Shefali Jariwala Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 28, 2025, 18:43 IST News india Why Heart Disease Is The No.1 Killer Of Indian Women: Doctors React To Shefali Jariwala's Death
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Maharashtra reports 20 new COVID-19 cases
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Maharashtra recorded 20 COVID-19 cases on Saturday, pushing the number of the viral infections in the state since the beginning of this year to 2,482, the health department the new cases, six are from Mumbai, followed by five from the Pune Municipal Corporation limits. Two cases each were reported from Thane Municipal Corporation, Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, and Nagpur. One case each was reported from Navi Mumbai, Satara, and Kolhapur, an official statement fatalities due to coronavirus have been reported since Friday, it to the health department, it has conducted 29,054 COVID-19 tests across the state since January 1. A total of 2,315 patients have recovered from the viral infection since January 1, it Mumbai has reported 986 cases, including 545 in June, so far this year.A total of 37 patients have succumbed to the virus in the state since January 1, of whom 36 had comorbidities (pre-existing health conditions that can increase the risk of severe illness), the statement added.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Shefali Jariwala dies at 42: 50% of young Indians experience heart attacks. Doctor explains why cardiac arrest is no longer an old-age disease
The sudden death of Shefali Jariwala has highlighted a concerning trend. Heart attacks are increasingly affecting younger Indians. Over half of CAD fatalities occur in those under 50. This early onset is linked to genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Poor diet, stress, and lack of exercise contribute. Even healthy-looking individuals may be at risk due to hidden conditions. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads India's Silent But Deadly Epidemic Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Why Heart Problems Are Becoming Rampant Among Young? Hidden Hypertension and Elevated Cholesterol Levels Tobacco Use and E-Cigarettes Blood Sugar Imbalances and Insulin Dysfunction Chronic Psychological Strain and Irregular Sleep Patterns Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Physical Inactivity or Excessive Exercise Recreational Substance Abuse Autoimmune Conditions Inherited Cardiac Disorders Why Even 'Healthy' People May Be at Risk of Sudden Cardiac Arrest Inherited Cardiac Disorders Abnormal Development of Coronary Arteries Irregular Electrical Activity in the Heart Excessive Emotional or Physiological Stress Ongoing Low-Level Inflammation in the Body Metabolic Dysfunction Hidden Behind a Lean Frame Women May Experience Different Symptoms Nausea, indigestion and vomiting Fatigue. Dizziness. Pain in nec, shoulder or back. Mild chest pain. Cardiac Arrest Red Flags Never To Ignore Have A Heart Healthy Diet Is Heart Attack & Cardiac Arrest The Same? Fans of Shefali Jariwala were left in a state of shock after the news of the actress's death hit headlines. Jariwala , best known for the 2002 chartbuster 'Kaanta Laga', passed away at the age of 42 due to a massive cardiac arrest. As per a Times Of India report, Jariwala was rushed to the Bellevue Multispeciality Hospital by her husband Parag Tyagi, but was declared dead upon sudden demise has thrown light to India's silent but deadly epidemic - heart attacks in people younger than aging is a well-established factor that raises the likelihood of heart attacks—with men typically facing increased vulnerability after the age of 45 and women after 55—the idea that heart attacks only affect older adults is increasingly being challenged. Alarmingly, individuals in their 30s and 40s are not exempt from this life-threatening India, Coronary Artery Disease ( CAD ) tends to strike at a significantly earlier stage in life when compared to other global populations. According to medical experts, over half of the fatalities related to CAD in the Indian population are recorded in people younger than 50. This early onset of cardiac events is a troubling national health trend, with young adults bearing a surprising portion of the studies have observed that between 25% and 40% of patients suffering from acute myocardial infarction (commonly referred to as a heart attack) are under the age of 40. These figures underscore the alarming presence of cardiac issues among the youth and contradict the commonly held belief that heart ailments are a problem only for the disturbing pattern appears to be unique to Indians, who, as per epidemiological data, experience heart attacks nearly ten years earlier than individuals belonging to other ethnic communities. The Indian Heart Association has corroborated this claim, citing data that highlights a significant incidence of early cardiac events. A report released by Apollo Hospitals, referencing Indian Heart Association statistics, emphasizes that 50% of heart attacks in India occur in people below 50 years of age. Even more concerning, one in four heart attacks affect Indians who are under early age of onset not only points to a deeply rooted genetic predisposition among Indians but also reflects broader lifestyle and environmental factors that contribute to early cardiovascular damage. Poor diet, high stress levels, lack of exercise, and increasing rates of smoking and diabetes are compounding the problem, leading to a silent crisis in heart health among the country's younger an interview with ET Panache, Dr. Sarita Rao, Senior Interventional Cardiologist & Director Cathlab, Apollo Hospitals Indore, outlined some genetic and lifestyle factors which may make people younger than 50, vulnerable to heart issues. These include:Unrecognized high blood pressure and undetected spikes in cholesterol can silently wear down the walls of the arteries over years. These conditions, often showing no symptoms in the early stages, steadily narrow and weaken blood vessels, laying the foundation for future heart-related it's conventional smoking or modern vaping, both introduce harmful chemicals that hasten the accumulation of fatty deposits in the blood vessels. This buildup, known as plaque, clogs arteries and restricts blood flow, greatly elevating the likelihood of a heart living with diabetes — and even those with mild insulin resistance — face a significantly greater danger of heart problems. Elevated glucose levels damage the blood vessels and impair their ability to function efficiently, heightening cardiovascular risk even in younger emotional stress, combined with insufficient or poor-quality sleep, can spark harmful changes within the cardiovascular system. Persistent tension may cause arterial spasms or promote inflammation, both of which can interfere with normal heart rhythms and blood overly sedentary lifestyle deprives the heart of the movement it needs to remain strong, while overexerting the body without proper recovery can place excessive strain on the heart. Both lack of activity and extreme workouts have been linked to weakened cardiac function and increased vulnerability to heart drugs such as cocaine and stimulant-based substances like amphetamines are known to trigger abrupt and severe cardiac episodes. These chemicals can cause sudden narrowing of arteries, abnormal heart rhythms, and increased blood pressure — all of which can be such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis don't just affect joints and skin — they can also inflict damage on the blood vessels. The body's own immune system, in a state of constant activation, may inflame arteries and raise the risk of plaque formation and arterial conditions such as Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy (HOCM) and Long QT Syndrome often remain undiagnosed, especially in younger populations. These hereditary heart irregularities can disrupt normal heart rhythms and may result in sudden, fatal cardiac incidents if not identified and managed in Rao emphasized that a person's external appearance of fitness does not always guarantee a healthy heart. Beneath the surface, several hidden factors can increase the risk of sudden cardiac arrest—even in individuals who appear slim, active, and in good shape. Here's a breakdown of the underlying causes that can silently endanger seemingly healthy lives:Some people carry genetic abnormalities like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy—a condition where the heart muscle becomes abnormally thick. This condition can exist without any noticeable signs, yet it significantly raises the risk of heart failure or arrhythmias, especially during physical rare, some individuals are born with unusual formations in their coronary arteries. These structural irregularities can hinder proper blood flow to the heart, especially during intense activity or stress. Often undiagnosed until a serious episode occurs, these anomalies can be such as Long QT syndrome or Brugada syndrome interfere with the heart's natural rhythm. These electrical conditions can cause the heart to beat too fast, too slow, or erratically—sometimes leading to sudden collapse without any prior psychological strain or surging cortisol levels (the stress hormone) can overwhelm the cardiovascular system. Even those in good physical shape can experience what's often referred to as 'broken heart syndrome,' where acute emotional trauma results in a temporary, but severe, weakening of the heart muscle.A continuous state of internal inflammation—caused by an unhealthy diet, autoimmune diseases, or lingering infections—can gradually damage blood vessels and heart tissues. This inflammation may remain unnoticed for years but still contributes to long-term cardiovascular because someone is slim doesn't mean they're metabolically healthy. Some individuals suffer from a condition known as 'normal-weight obesity,' where harmful visceral fat accumulates around vital organs despite a normal body mass index. These hidden fat stores can disrupt hormones and metabolism, increasing the likelihood of heart Rao underlined that an impending cardiac arrest may manifest through different symptoms in men and women. Women are more likely to experience:Seek immediate help if you or someone experiences:⦁ Persistent chest pain, pressure, or tightness⦁ Shortness of breath, with or without chest discomfort⦁ Pain that spreads to arms, neck, back, jaw, or stomach⦁ Nausea or vomiting not linked to food⦁ Cold sweats or clammy skin⦁ Sudden fatigue or dizziness⦁ A feeling of dread or anxiety⦁ Golden Rule: If symptoms last more than 5 minutes, call emergency services — don't self-diagnose or certain factors like a genetic predisposition towards heart problems are out of your control, you can certainly lower your risk by following a heart healthy diet free from processed food items and high calorie dishes, explains Dr Rao.A heart-healthy diet focuses on anti-inflammatory, nutrient-rich, and balanced eating. Top choices include:⦁ Fatty Fish: Salmon, mackerel, sardines (rich in omega-3s)⦁ Fruits and Vegetables: Berries, leafy greens, avocados⦁ Whole Grains: Oats, quinoa, barley, brown rice⦁ Nuts and Seeds: Walnuts, flaxseeds, chia seeds⦁ Legumes: Lentils, chickpeas, beans Olive Oil : Replace butter or ghee for cooking⦁ Dark Chocolate (in moderation): Contains heart-healthy flavonoids⦁ Green Tea: May reduce blood pressure and cholesterol⦁ Low-fat Dairy or Fortified Plant Milk: For calcium and potassiumLimit your intake of processed meats, sugar-sweetened beverages, excess sodium, and trans outlined by the British Heart Foundation , it is important to understand that a heart attack and a cardiac arrest are two distinct medical emergencies, even though they are often confused.A heart attack occurs when one of the coronary arteries—the vessels that supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle—becomes obstructed. When this blockage happens, the flow of blood to a portion of the heart is disrupted, depriving it of the oxygen it needs to function properly. Without prompt medical intervention, this oxygen deprivation can lead to the gradual damage or death of heart muscle contrast, a cardiac arrest is a much more immediate and life-threatening event. It takes place when the heart suddenly stops functioning as a pump and fails to circulate blood throughout the body. As a result, the individual stops breathing or breathes abnormally and loses consciousness very quickly. This condition requires urgent resuscitation, often with CPR or a defibrillator, to restart the heart and restore to the British Heart Foundation, in many adult cases, cardiac arrests are actually triggered by a heart attack. This happens because the damage or stress caused by the heart attack can lead to an abnormal and potentially fatal heart rhythm—known medically as an arrhythmia—which may then result in the heart ceasing to beat the relationship between these two conditions is crucial. While a heart attack is primarily a circulation problem caused by blocked arteries, a cardiac arrest is an electrical issue where the heart's rhythm fails, often as a consequence of the damage done during a heart attack. Recognizing the symptoms early and responding quickly can mean the difference between life and death.
