In today’s social media world, it doesn’t take long for a post to go viral—often for reasons beyond your control. Harsh Macwann, an IIM alumnus and CEO based in New York, recently shared his near-heart attack experience on LinkedIn, urging people to prioritize their health over hustle. But instead of just support, the post triggered mixed reactions online.
His Post: A Wake-Up Call After Cardiac Scare
In the viral LinkedIn post, Harsh shared a photo of himself lying on a hospital bed and opened up about how everything unfolded.
“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,” he wrote. What followed were ECGs, IVs, and constant monitoring.
Harsh explained that he had always been the type to power through deadlines, stress, and exhaustion—but this time, his body had had enough.
He urged people to stop ignoring early signs and start putting themselves first. “No client, no deadline, no work is above your life,” he wrote.
“Take that day off, sleep well, because your heart isn’t a machine. If it gives you a final warning, you won’t get to reschedule it.”
He ended his post by saying he’s recovering and feeling better now.
Reactions Followed
While many users wished him well and appreciated his openness, for some—especially on Reddit—the post became a subject of satire.
Supporters thanked him for shedding light on a much-needed issue. Comments like “Sending good vibes, take care,” and “Rightly said, take care and proper rest,” filled the thread. Another added, “Feel better soon.”
But not all reactions were sympathetic. One user reposted the image with the caption: “Take a pic, I’m going to post about this to help other founders.” Another wrote, “No, no, take another picture—I don’t look pathetic enough.” One sarcastically added, “Can’t wait to have a heart attack so I can post it on LinkedIn. So exciting.”
Another said, “What is the B2B lesson here?”.
The post clearly struck a nerve, drawing both appreciation for its honesty and criticism for oversharing.
The Bigger Picture
Whatever the original intent of the post may have been, it has brought attention to a growing concern: heart issues showing up more frequently in younger people. Gone are the days when heart attacks were seen as an old-age problem. Now, cases in people as young as their 20s are becoming more common.
Health experts have been warning about this for a while, highlighting the need for better sleep, regular exercise, healthier eating habits, and setting stronger boundaries at work. Long-term stress and burnout are no longer just buzzwords—they’re real risks that can affect anyone, even in high-functioning roles.
It’s not just about slowing down—it’s about recognizing when to stop before your body does it for you.
(Rh/Pooja Bansal/MSM)