The Heartbreaking List: 7 Celebrities Who Recently Faced Cardiovascular Disease And Cardiac Arrest

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death globally, and the relentless pressure of the spotlight offers no immunity. As of late 2025, the entertainment world is reeling from a series of high-profile health crises, including sudden deaths and shocking diagnoses, which have brought the conversation about heart health back to the forefront. These recent events serve as a stark reminder that conditions like coronary artery disease, heart failure, and sudden cardiac arrest can strike anyone, regardless of fame or perceived fitness.

This article provides an in-depth look at the celebrities who have recently faced major cardiovascular events or shared new diagnoses in 2025. From legendary wrestling icons to young reality stars, their stories highlight the varied forms of heart disease and the urgent need for awareness, especially regarding non-traditional risk factors like vaping and stress.

The Shocking New Faces of Cardiovascular Crisis (2025 Updates)

The year 2025 has already seen several devastating and surprising health updates from the world of celebrities, underscoring the unpredictable nature of heart conditions. These individuals, spanning different ages and careers, have become the newest public figures in the fight against heart disease.

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1. Hulk Hogan: Sudden Cardiac Arrest (July 2025)

The world of professional wrestling and pop culture was shaken by the news of the death of legendary icon Hulk Hogan (Terry Gene Bollea) on July 24, 2025, at the age of 71. Hogan, a WWE Hall of Famer, reportedly suffered a sudden cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida. His death highlights how even seemingly robust figures can be silently battling underlying cardiovascular issues. While the specific long-term cardiovascular disease (CVD) he may have had is not fully detailed in public reports, the nature of a sudden cardiac arrest often points to a severe, undiagnosed, or poorly managed electrical or structural heart problem, such as advanced coronary artery disease (CAD) or cardiomyopathy.

2. Shefali Jariwala: Fatal Cardiac Arrest at 42 (June 2025)

Bollywood actress and reality television personality Shefali Jariwala passed away suddenly on June 27, 2025, in Mumbai after suffering a cardiac arrest at the young age of 42. Her sudden demise shocked the entertainment industry and sparked a critical discussion about heart health in younger adults. While the exact cause of the cardiac arrest in her case remains a subject of public inquiry, her death is a powerful, tragic reminder that cardiac events are not exclusive to the elderly. Doctors and health experts often use such high-profile cases to urge young individuals to monitor for hidden signs of heart disease and undergo regular preventative screenings.

3. Carly Pearce: Diagnosis of Pericarditis (Recent 2025)

Country music star Carly Pearce recently shared her personal health battle, revealing a diagnosis of pericarditis, a type of cardiovascular disease. Pericarditis is a condition characterized by the inflammation of the pericardium, the thin sac-like structure that surrounds the heart. Pearce, known for her energetic performances, has been forced to make significant changes to her touring schedule to manage her heart rate and prevent flare-ups, following her cardiologist's orders. Her struggle highlights that cardiovascular disease encompasses a wide range of conditions beyond heart attacks and strokes, including inflammatory heart conditions that require careful, long-term management.

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4. Fraser Olender: Vaping-Induced Heart Attack (Recent 2025)

In a cautionary tale for a younger generation, *Below Deck* reality star Fraser Olender suffered a heart attack linked to his vaping habit. Olender was rushed to the hospital after experiencing severe, "inexplicable" chest pains and breathing difficulties, symptoms that are classic indicators of a heart attack. His doctors diagnosed him with E-cigarette or Vaping-Associated Lung Injury (EVALI), which subsequently led to the cardiac event. His public disclosure has been a critical moment in raising awareness about the serious, life-threatening cardiovascular risks associated with vaping and nicotine use, even in young, otherwise healthy individuals.

Enduring Battles: Famous Heart Disease Survivors

While recent events have brought new names into the spotlight, other celebrities have been vocal advocates for years, sharing their long-term struggles and recoveries from serious cardiovascular events. Their stories provide hope and practical insights into managing chronic heart conditions.

5. Susan Lucci: The Women's Heart Health Advocate

Daytime television icon Susan Lucci has become a powerful voice for women's heart health since her own near-fatal experience. In 2018, she was diagnosed with two blocked arteries and underwent emergency stent placement. Her symptoms—which included jaw pain, chest tightness, and a burning sensation—were initially atypical and dismissed, a common and dangerous scenario for women. In a 2023 update, Lucci revealed she had a second scare, leading to another stent procedure. Her advocacy focuses on educating women about the subtle signs of heart disease, which are often different from those experienced by men.

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6. Toni Braxton: Living with Microvascular Angina

Grammy-winning singer Toni Braxton has been transparent about her ongoing health challenges, which include systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and microvascular angina, a form of coronary artery disease. Microvascular angina affects the heart's smallest arteries, causing chest pain and making diagnosis and treatment particularly challenging. Braxton’s public battle with these complex, interconnected conditions has helped raise awareness for cardiovascular issues that often accompany autoimmune diseases.

7. Rosie O'Donnell: Recognizing Atypical Symptoms

Comedian and actress Rosie O'Donnell survived a heart attack in 2012 at the age of 50, but her story is a crucial one for symptom recognition. O'Donnell initially experienced severe body aches, nausea, and a feeling of general malaise—symptoms she nearly dismissed as the flu. It was only after she Googled "women's heart attack symptoms" that she realized the severity of her condition, which was found to be a 99% blockage in her left anterior descending (LAD) artery, often called the "widowmaker." Her experience is a vital lesson in taking atypical symptoms seriously and seeking immediate medical attention.

Understanding the Common Cardiovascular Entities

The diverse experiences of these celebrities highlight several key cardiovascular entities that the public needs to understand. These conditions are often interconnected and represent the spectrum of heart disease.

• Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): This is the most common form of heart disease, caused by plaque buildup in the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle. It is the underlying cause of most heart attacks.
• Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack): Occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked, usually by a blood clot. Fraser Olender's case is unique as the blockage was induced by the vascular damage from vaping.
• Cardiac Arrest: This is an electrical problem where the heart suddenly stops beating effectively. It is the cause of death for both Hulk Hogan and Shefali Jariwala. While a heart attack can trigger a cardiac arrest, they are distinct events.
• Pericarditis: As seen with Carly Pearce, this is inflammation of the protective sac around the heart. It can cause sharp chest pain and, if recurrent, can lead to chronic health issues.
• Stent Placement: A common interventional procedure, as experienced by Susan Lucci, where a small mesh tube is inserted into a blocked artery to keep it open and restore blood flow.

The common thread across all these stories is the power of early detection and lifestyle modification. High-profile diagnoses of conditions like pericarditis and the tragic deaths from cardiac arrest in both younger and older celebrities are a powerful call to action for everyone to prioritize their cardiovascular health.

Prevention and Awareness: Lessons from Celebrity Health Scares

The public nature of these celebrity health scares provides an invaluable platform for health education. The key takeaways from the recent 2025 events are focused on vigilance and recognizing the non-traditional risk factors.

Firstly, the case of Fraser Olender is a stark warning about the emerging risk of vaping and e-cigarette use on the heart and lungs, even in younger demographics. The vascular damage caused by these products can accelerate the risk of a heart attack, proving that "healthy-looking" does not mean "heart-healthy."

Secondly, the deaths of Hulk Hogan and Shefali Jariwala from sudden cardiac arrest emphasize the importance of knowing your family history and managing existing risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes, which often contribute to silent coronary artery disease. For women, the experiences of Susan Lucci and Rosie O'Donnell are crucial, highlighting that symptoms can be subtle and easily mistaken for other ailments, making self-advocacy in a doctor's office essential.

Ultimately, the latest list of celebrities facing cardiovascular disease in 2025 is a global reminder: heart health is a lifelong commitment. Regular check-ups, a balanced diet, consistent physical activity, and avoiding known risk factors like smoking and excessive stress are the true keys to longevity, regardless of your status.