The sudden demise of actress Shefali Jariwala at just 42 has left the nation in shock. Known for her iconic appearance in the chartbuster Kaanta Laga and her stint on Bigg Boss, Shefali collapsed at her Mumbai residence on the night of June 27 and passed away before she could receive medical assistance. According to a preliminary report shared by Amboli police, the cause was a sudden and drastic drop in blood pressure.
The incident has raised a pressing medical question: Can a sudden drop in blood pressure lead to death?
Dr. Abhijit Khadtare, Cardiologist at Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune, explains that while low blood pressure (hypotension) is often overlooked in comparison to high blood pressure, it can be equally dangerous鈥攅specially when the drop is abrupt and severe.
鈥淎 sudden and drastic drop in blood pressure, known as severe hypotension, is more than just a momentary feeling of dizziness, it can be a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate medical attention,鈥 says Dr. Khadtare.
Blood pressure is critical for maintaining adequate blood flow to organs. When it drops below 90/60 mm Hg, especially rapidly, the brain, heart, kidneys, and other organs can become deprived of oxygen. This can lead to shock, a condition in which the body鈥檚 circulatory system fails to function properly. If left untreated, shock can lead to organ failure and even death.
Possible triggers include dehydration, internal bleeding, cardiac issues, or even allergic reactions. In Shefali鈥檚 case, reports suggest she had been fasting as part of a religious ritual and later ate food from the refrigerator before collapsing. While exact causes are still under investigation, sudden fasting, underlying conditions, or external factors could have contributed.
Dr. Girish Datar, an internal medicine specialist, adds, 鈥淔asting followed by sudden food intake, especially cold food, can sometimes trigger vasovagal responses or disturbances in blood sugar and pressure levels in susceptible individuals. When the body鈥檚 compensatory mechanisms fail, it can result in sudden collapse.鈥
A forensic team was deployed as per the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita guidelines, and while the police confirmed no foul play, the case has been registered as an accidental death.
Shefali鈥檚 tragic passing serves as a sobering reminder: low blood pressure may not always appear serious鈥攂ut a sudden dip is a clear medical emergency. Recognizing symptoms like fainting, confusion, or rapid breathing, and seeking prompt care, can save lives.