People were informed by the medical examiner’s office in Pinellas County, Florida, that Cara died of arteriosclerotic and hypertensive cardiovascular disease due to her high blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Her death was attributed to a number of factors, including diabetes.
Death of Irene Cara was attributed to atherosclerosis and hypertension, citing the findings of the medical examiner in Pinellas County (hardening of the arteries as a result of high blood pressure). The presence of diabetes was also cited. Judith A. Moose, Cara’s spokeswoman, released a statement confirming her death.
“It is with profound sadness that on behalf of her family I announce the passing of Irene Cara,” the statement read. “Irene’s family has requested privacy as they process their grief.” She was an exceptionally talented person, and her films and music will ensure that her memory will never be forgotten. Funeral arrangements are still being finalized, and a tribute for her followers will be organized at a later time.
After being chosen for the lead role in the 1980 musical “Fame,” Cara quickly became a household name.
As a result of the success of the film, she was nominated for two Grammys: Best New Artist and Best Female Pop Vocal Artist.
The song “Flashdance…What a Feeling” from the 1983 film of the same name starring Jennifer Beals was co-written and performed by Cara. Cara won an Academy Award for Best Original Song and two Grammys for the song, which became a worldwide smash.
More over half of American adults (47%) have hypertension, defined as systolic blood pressure of 130 mmHg or higher and/or diastolic blood pressure of 80 mmHg or higher, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “According to the Framingham Study, hypertension accounts for about one quarter of heart failure cases,” says Kamran Riaz, MD. It has been estimated that hypertension contributes to as many as 68% of instances of heart failure in the aged population.” Multiple serious health issues are associated with hypertension, but specialists agree that the key to treating it is catching it early. Hypertension comes with a host of significant problems, explains Dr. Naomi D. L. Fisher. “These include heart attack, kidney failure, and stroke. Doctors discuss risks to motivate their patients, but sometimes end up creating fear instead. And fear can lead to denial. Is hypertension serious? Yes, if left untreated. But when blood pressure is controlled, the risks are greatly reduced. The important message is that treating hypertension can prevent severe complications and add dramatically to life expectancy.”
