Work first or health first? Bengaluru CEO in ICU has a warning for professionals

Amit Mishra, a founder and CEO of a Bengaluru-based company recently experienced a life-altering health scare that landed him in the ICU for more than four days. What began as a seemingly ordinary Saturday afternoon soon turned into a terrifying ordeal that saw him lose a significant amount of blood and face a shocking medical crisis. His experience serves as a powerful reminder about the importance of prioritizing health—something that many often overlook in the rush of daily life.

Mishra, in a LinkedIn post, revealed that he was working casually on his laptop when a sudden and severe nosebleed took him by surprise. What started as a trickle quickly escalated, turning the washbasin red and soaking a thick cotton cloth in blood. Fearing the worst, he rushed to a hospital, where medical professionals struggled to stop the bleeding. The situation worsened when his blood pressure spiked to a dangerously high level of 230, despite him experiencing no prior symptoms such as headaches or dizziness. This was only the beginning of his frightening ordeal.

After being transferred to the ICU, doctors worked tirelessly to stabilize his blood pressure. But things took another unexpected turn when Mishra fainted the next morning due to a drastic drop in his BP, leaving doctors puzzled. Despite undergoing a battery of tests, including ECG, cholesterol checks, and even a painful angiography, the cause of his high blood pressure remained a mystery. Nonetheless, his results were otherwise normal.


As he continues his recovery, Mishra shared his reflections and learnings from the experience. He emphasized that health should never be taken for granted, as the body often doesn’t provide clear warnings before an emergency strikes. He stressed the importance of regular health check-ups and not dismissing minor signs of distress as insignificant.


Mishra also highlighted the need for emergency preparedness, underscoring how knowing what to do in a crisis can save lives. Despite not having a clear explanation for the sudden health scare, his takeaway is clear: “work is important, but health is non-negotiable”. Mishra concluded his post by encouraging everyone to listen to their body and make health a priority before it's too late.

Having returned home after his stay in the hospital, Mishra is taking some time to recover, following doctors’ advice for complete rest. As he takes this opportunity to focus on his well-being, he remains grateful for the quick response from the hospital staff and the support of his family, friends, and well-wishers. His message is clear—”don’t wait for a wake-up call” to take your health seriously.

Internet reacts

Many users expressed their well wishes, hoping for a speedy recovery and commending the strength it takes to share an update despite facing health challenges. Someone suggested prioritizing health by dedicating time to nature through morning and evening walks, running, and soaking up sunlight. They emphasized the importance of consuming essential vitamins and minerals, as well as sharing laughter with friends and family. Taking just 2-3 hours from a busy schedule, they argued, wouldn’t harm a business or workplace but would significantly reduce stress and promote a healthy mind. They also noted that fluctuating blood pressure is often linked to thoughts and worries, highlighting the need for a balanced approach to mental well-being.Others pointed out how many rely on health insurance instead of prioritizing a healthier lifestyle, urging people to take proactive steps toward their well-being.

Hyderabad doctor lists 6 preventive measures

He believes that given the strong link between lifestyle and essential hypertension, young professionals can reduce their risk by:

1. Managing stress with meditation, yoga, or deep breathing.
2. Getting 7–9 hours of quality sleep daily.
3. Exercising at least 150 minutes per week.


4. Eating a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.
5. Maintaining work-life balance.
6. Scheduling regular health check-ups, especially for BP monitoring.