‘Heart attack LinkedIn survivor’: IIM alumnus shares post after health scare, gets trolled

In recent years, there has been a sharp increase in heart attack cases among younger adults, with experts attributing the rise to high stress levels, sedentary lifestyles, poor dietary habits, and lack of physical activity. One Indian CEO has added a personal voice to the growing concern, sharing his experience of a near-cardiac incident that landed him in hospital — and has since sparked a wider online conversation.

Harsh Macwan, an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad, took to Instagram earlier this week to recount a health scare that he described as coming “dangerously close to something” serious. His post, which included a photo of himself lying in a hospital bed, has gone viral — but not entirely for the reasons he may have intended.

“It started with a sharp, crushing pressure in my chest. My left arm went numb. I was breathless, sweating, and disoriented. Within minutes, I was rushed to the hospital,” Macwan wrote. “What followed were ECGs and constant monitoring. I’ve always been the type to push through deadlines, fatigue, and stress. But this time, my body said enough.”

Macwan used the post to send a message to other young professionals, particularly startup founders and corporate leaders, urging them to prioritise their health above work demands. “Your heart isn’t a machine. Take that day off. Sleep. Walk. Switch off your phone. Because when your body gives you a final warning, you won’t get to reschedule it,” he said.

He also assured followers that he was recovering, and the post was met with an outpouring of support in the comments. One user wrote, “Sending good vibes. Take care,” while another added, “Rightly said… Take care and proper rest.” A third commented simply, “Feel better soon.”