‘Don’t make this one mistake’: Zerodha CEO Nithin Kamath shares vital lesson after suffering stroke

Zerodha co-founder and CEO Nithin Kamath has shared an important message about recognising and responding to the warning signs of a stroke, urging people not to ignore early symptoms and to seek medical help immediately.

In a heartfelt post on World Stroke Day,  October 29, Kamath reflected on his own experience of suffering a stroke in January last year, admitting that his biggest mistake was delaying treatment.

“If there’s one thing I wish I had done differently, it would be to go to the hospital immediately, instead of thinking I could just sleep it off,” Kamath wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

He said that, at the time, he assumed rest would be enough, but later realised he should have gone to the hospital within what doctors call the “golden hour” — the crucial first 4.5 hours after a stroke occurs.

Kamath also highlighted a worrying trend: strokes are no longer confined to older people. “This ‘nothing will happen to me’ attitude is common, especially among those under 50. Strokes are rising sharply — nearly 30 per cent of all strokes in recent years have occurred in people aged between 30 and 50,” he said, calling for greater awareness about early intervention.

Emphasising that “time is brain”, he reminded followers that every minute counts, and prompt medical care can make the difference between full recovery and long-term disability.

Kamath’s candid post was widely shared and praised, with many calling it a wake-up call for younger professionals who tend to overlook health risks amid busy lifestyles.

When did he suffer a stroke?

The entrepreneur had first spoken publicly about his health scare in February 2024, revealing on Instagram that he had suffered a mild stroke “out of the blue.” He attributed it to a combination of stress, lack of sleep, dehydration, and over-exercising following his father’s death.

Recalling his recovery journey, Kamath said he initially faced facial drooping and struggled to read or write, but gradually regained those abilities through rehabilitation. “I wondered how someone who is fit and takes care of himself could go through this. The doctor told me, ‘You need to know when to shift gears down a bit,’” he shared.

Despite the setback, the 44-year-old remained positive and committed to fitness. “Slightly broken, but still getting my treadmill count,” he wrote earlier this year, adding that he continues to focus on maintaining a balanced routine and raising awareness about stroke prevention.

Kamath’s story offers an important reminder that health vigilance and timely action can save lives, no matter one’s age or fitness level.