In today’s corporate climate, the pursuit of business excellence often demands sacrifices—unfortunately, personal health is frequently among them. Recent findings suggest that chief executives are not just steering their companies—they are also navigating significant health risks, particularly cardiac disease.
In a study conducted by Professor Adrian Kennedy of RAK Hospital in 2025, it revealed a troubling cardiovascular profile among over 50 Indian CEOs from Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) affiliated companies. Alarmingly, 58.97% of CEOs were classified at high cardiac risk, as compared to their senior executive employees at 56.05%.
Among the contributing risk factors were high blood pressure (35.90%), diabetes (12.82%); high cholesterol (23.08%) and 10.26% of CEOs had an existing heart condition or prior heart attack within 12 months preceding the study.
These risks were compounded by lifestyle-related factors. For example, the perks of a CEOs position can include luxuries such as a company car, travel, flights, hotel accommodation, and dining at restaurants, to name a few. However, it was found that 82.05% of CEOs were overweight and 76.92% had their waist circumferences greater than their chest. Alarmingly 61.54% were not able to do a single push-up and more than half were unable to touch their toes. 51.28% of all CEOs maintained a diet high in saturated fats and 48.72% had a sweet dessert at the end of each evening meal.
More than half required daily medication, and 100% reported symptoms of psychosomatic stress—including insomnia, digestive issues, and back pain—largely attributed to high-pressure, Type A personality traits.
The Silent Cost of Leadership
This study’s conclusion confirms the health of our executive leadership is under threat. And while success in business demands resilience, it should not come at the expense of one’s cardiovascular integrity or overall wellbeing.
A New Approach – Personalised Executive Heart Health
As a heart health specialist, I provide CEOs and senior leaders with personalised coaching designed to prevent cardiac burnout and eliminate hidden heart risks. Our flagship six-week Heart-Brain Framework programme integrates evidence-based strategies to improve cardiovascular function, stress regulation, and overall executive performance.
In addition to private coaching, HeartCore Group also delivers workplace seminars on preventative cardiac disease, designed to:
- Increase employee health literacy
- Improve resilience and productivity
- Reduce absenteeism
- Enhance workforce wellbeing
My mission is to empower leaders and organisations with the tools to thrive—not just professionally, but physiologically.
If you are a CEO or senior leader committed to your health as much as your bottom line—or if you are seeking ways to enhance the health culture of your organisation—I invite you to connect. Together, we can ensure that peak performance is achieved not at the cost of your heart, but in harmony with it.
To learn more about my executive coaching and corporate health programs, please contact me at HeartCore Group by emailing me directly at [email protected] or through the website at www.heartcoregroup.com or through my Linkedin account.
Reference: Kennedy, A. (2022). CEO Health Study. RAK Hospital. View Publication
