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Shefali Jariwala’s sudden death has sparked urgent concerns over the hidden cardiac risks of unsupervised anti-ageing treatments.
Shefali Jariwala was best known for her unforgettable appearance in the early 2000s hit music video Kaanta Laga.
The sudden demise of actress and model Shefali Jariwala on June 27, 2025, has sent shockwaves across the country. Known for her iconic appearance in the early 2000s hit remix Kaanta Laga, Shefali was just 42 when she reportedly passed away from a suspected cardiac arrest. While official reports are still awaited, preliminary information suggests a possible link between her death and the unsupervised use of cosmetic anti-ageing treatments.
Her passing has triggered an urgent conversation about the safety and regulation of anti-ageing and skin-whitening therapies—particularly their effects on cardiovascular health when misused or taken without medical oversight.
Anti-Ageing on an Empty Stomach: A Risky Combination?
According to sources, Shefali may have received intravenous anti-ageing injections—reportedly containing glutathione and Vitamin C—while in a fasted or dehydrated state. This combination, medical experts caution, can trigger dangerous drops in blood pressure, potentially leading to cardiac arrest.
“While glutathione and Vitamin C are commonly used in aesthetic treatments, administering them when the body is dehydrated or fasting can strain the cardiovascular system,” explains Dr. Anesh Jain, Consultant Cardiologist, Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune. “In rare but serious cases, this can cause hypotension and cardiac arrest.”
Dr. Jain emphasizes that many so-called “anti-ageing” treatments are not approved by the U.S. FDA and are often used off-label without sufficient safety data. “These are cosmetic or experimental therapies with unknown long-term cardiovascular risks,” he warns.
The Regulatory Red Flags
Both glutathione and Vitamin C injections have faced scrutiny from global health agencies. The U.S. FDA has explicitly warned against the use of glutathione powder for compounding injectable drugs due to risks like endotoxin contamination, which can cause severe side effects.
Injectable glutathione is not approved for skin lightening in the U.S., and no clinical trials currently support its safety or efficacy for that purpose. Potential risks include toxicity to the liver, kidneys, and nervous system, as well as life-threatening reactions like Stevens-Johnson Syndrome.
Likewise, injectable Vitamin C products are not sanctioned for skin lightening, and unapproved forms have been pulled from the market due to safety concerns.
In India, while the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) allows glutathione and Vitamin C injections for certain medical conditions, their use for aesthetic enhancement remains outside approved indications.
More Than Skin Deep: The Cardiovascular Risks of Anti-Ageing Therapies
Dr. Srinivas Kudva, Interventional Cardiologist, Lilavati Hospital, Mumbai, notes that the global obsession with youth and longevity has popularized off-label anti-ageing treatments targeting cellular repair, hormone levels, and metabolism.
“From testosterone boosters to growth hormones and even NAD+ enhancers, these agents are believed to improve vitality—but they can significantly alter cardiovascular dynamics,” he explains. “Raised hormone levels can thicken the blood, raise blood pressure, and increase the risk of arrhythmias and blood clots. Even so-called ‘natural’ compounds can overstimulate metabolic pathways and stress the heart, especially in people with underlying conditions.”
Why Women May Be at Higher Risk
While these treatments are popular among both men and women, experts warn that women may be particularly vulnerable to their unintended effects.
“Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death among women—far more than breast cancer,” says Dr. Ashish Agarwal, Director of Cardiology, Aakash Healthcare. “Shockingly, many women remain undiagnosed or untreated for conditions like high blood pressure. Early screening is critical.”
Dr. Subrat Akhoury, Chairman of the Cath Lab at Asian Hospital, highlights another overlooked issue: symptom misdiagnosis. “In women, heart attack symptoms often present as nausea, fatigue, or breathlessness—easily mistaken for less serious issues. That delay in diagnosis can prove fatal.”
He further cautions, “Anti-ageing treatments that influence hormones or circulation may destabilize heart function without warning. Cardiac arrest can be the first and only sign something is wrong.”
Hypotension: The Silent Emergency
One possible contributor to Shefali’s cardiac arrest could have been severe hypotension—a sudden and dangerous drop in blood pressure.
“A rapid fall in blood pressure can cut off oxygen to vital organs and send the body into shock,” says Dr. Abhijit Khadtare, Cardiologist at Ruby Hall Clinic. “Symptoms like fainting, confusion, cold skin, or a rapid, weak pulse require immediate intervention. Ignoring them can be deadly.”
A Culture of Self-Medication and Unchecked Access
Perhaps most troubling is the growing trend of unsupervised self-medication. According to police sources, Shefali had been using anti-ageing supplements and medications for years after consulting a doctor only once. A large number of pills and vials—reportedly including glutathione—were found in her room.
Dr. Praveen Gupta, Chairman of Marengo Asia International Institute of Neuro and Spine, warns that anti-ageing drugs are often mistaken as safe simply because they’re marketed as natural or wellness-focused.
“These substances may interact with existing medications for blood pressure or diabetes and can be extremely risky, particularly for older adults,” he notes. “The fact that many of these compounds are sold online with little oversight makes matters worse.”
He adds, “Just like surgery or prescription medicine, anti-ageing therapies require thorough screening, professional supervision, and long-term monitoring. Without that, they can cause more harm than good.”
A Wake-Up Call
Shefali Jariwala’s untimely death is not just a personal tragedy—it is a cautionary tale. As the demand for age-defying treatments continues to grow, it is vital for individuals to recognize the real medical risks that can come with unregulated beauty practices.
Because sometimes, the quest for youth may come at a price too high.
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl…Read More
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl… Read More
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