- ByStartupStory | February 26, 2024
Zerodha’s CEO, Nithin Kamath, disclosed suffering a mild stroke recently, attributing it to multiple factors including his father’s demise, poor sleep, exhaustion, and overworking. “Around 6 weeks ago, I had a mild stroke out of the blue. Dad passing away, poor sleep, exhaustion, dehydration, and overworking out – any of these could be possible reasons,” he shared on X (formerly Twitter).
Despite the setback, Kamath expressed optimism, stating, “I’ve gone from having a big droop in the face and not being able to read or write to having a slight droop but being able to read and write more.” He anticipates a full recovery within three to six months. “So, 3 to 6 months for full recovery,” he continued.
Reflecting on his condition, Kamath pondered, “I wondered why a person who’s fit and takes care of himself could be affected.” He emphasized the importance of recognizing when to slow down, remarking, “The doctor said you need to know when you need to shift the gears down a bit. Slightly broken, but still getting my treadmill count.”
In response to Kamath’s revelation, messages of support and advice poured in. Entrepreneur Ashneer Grover advised Kamath to take a break, acknowledging the profound impact of parental loss. “Dude – take care. Most likely you are deeply affected because of passing away of your dad – it got me too after my dad’s demise – I simply collapsed one day. Take a break!” Grover wrote.
Others extended well wishes for Kamath’s speedy recovery, highlighting the brain’s capacity for plasticity following a stroke. Dr. Sriram Nene offered encouragement, stating, “So sorry to hear it. All the best for a speedy recovery. The good news is the brain is very plastic and will typically remodel for up to 6 months after a stroke.”
Amid the outpouring of support, individuals emphasized the importance of prioritizing sleep for overall health and well-being. “Sleeping at least 7-8 hours a day is minimum guys, irrespective of any work or family deadline – just don’t cut down on sleep ever! Whatever anyone tells,” urged one person.
The revelation of Kamath’s stroke sheds light on the unpredictable nature of life, prompting reflection on health and self-care practices. According to the Centre for Disease Control, a stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked or when a blood vessel bursts, leading to potential lasting brain damage or disability.
