Bengaluru CEO hospitalised as blood pressure hits 230, shares 'important learnings'

In the fast-paced world of today, work is often given priority over health. But one Bengaluru-based entrepreneur recently had a near-death health emergency that is a grim reminder that no job is worth a hospital bed. Amit Mishra, CEO, wrote about his terrifying experience in a now-viral LinkedIn post, explaining how his blood pressure shot up to 230 overnight, getting him admitted to the ICU with a nosebleed that would not stop.

An unexpected health emergency
Mishra described how he was typing away on his laptop on what appeared to be a routine Saturday when he suddenly had a massive nosebleed. By the time he arrived at Apollo Hospital, he had lost a lot of blood, and the emergency team fought for 20 minutes before they managed to stop the bleeding temporarily. But the biggest shock came when doctors took his blood pressure at a critically high 230.

"I was shifted to the ICU straight away, where the doctors struggled to get my BP down. Everything looked okay by late night, but next morning while trying to walk within the ICU, I fainted suddenly," Mishra said in his post. Even after running several tests like ECG, LFT, ECHO, cholesterol testing, and even an angiography, no obvious reason for his spike in BP could be ascertained.

Work-life balance and modern lifestyle
Mishra's experience highlights the unseen dangers of contemporary work culture. Long working hours, excessive stress, and the 'always-on' mentality can result in silent health problems that go unnoticed until they become emergencies. His experience is a wake-up call to professionals who put work above well-being.

In the post, Mishra listed important lessons from his experience:

- Your body doesn’t always give clear warnings. Health risks like high BP and stress can be silent killers. Regular checkups are essential.

- Work is important, but health is non-negotiable. Ignoring small signs can have severe consequences.

- Emergency preparedness matters. Knowing the nearest hospital and how to handle a crisis can save lives.

- Medical science has its secrets. Even with thorough testing, the reason behind his BP spike is still unknown, reiterating the need for proactive healthcare.

Reactions from LinkedIn
Mishra's post was overwhelming for many professionals, and the discussion turned towards work-life balance. There were people on LinkedIn who were concerned about his recovery, and there were others who shared their own such experiences.

Prashant Kamble, a professional, said: "The fact that you are writing this post while still ill indicates that you are still not serious about your health. My friend, keep that phone aside for a while and rest completely!"

Ram Manohar Tripathi, who was also in a similar health crisis, penned: "Hearing your account is like gazing in a mirror. This had occurred to me on August 30, 2021. No signs, then out of the blue, a nosebleed and ICU admission with BP 210/110. Doctor told me that I was extremely lucky."

Mishra's experience reinforces the imperative to shift the way professionals think about work and health. Stress reduction, routine checkups, and establishing clear boundaries between work and life are not indulgences—they are essential. His account is a wake-up call reminding us that success is fueled by ambition, yet ignoring health comes with catastrophic risks.

As Mishra himself concluded, “If you’re reading this, let this be your reminder: listen to your body. Don’t wait for a wake-up call like mine.”

Read the post here