Boss shares ‘devastating’ post about fit 40-year-old colleague who died 10 minutes after requesting for sick leave due to ‘heavy back pain’; expert explains the link

He continued, “He suffered a cardiac arrest. What’s shocking is he texted me for leave at 8.37 am and he breathed his last at 8.47 am. A man, while he was conscious, messages me 10 minutes before his last breath. COMPLETELY SHOCKED. Life is so unpredictable. Be kind to people around you & live life happily till it lasts, for you never know what’s in store the next minute.”

But is back pain really a sign of heart trouble?

Yes, heart attacks and cardiac arrests don’t always start with the “classic” chest pain. “In some cases, especially among younger or healthier individuals, symptoms may show up as discomfort in the back, shoulders, or even the jaw. This can easily be mistaken for muscle strain, gastric trouble, or fatigue,” said Dr Parin Sangoi, consultant interventional cardiologist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central.

Why are such cases so dangerous?

Dr Sangoi said that the danger lies in misinterpreting the warning signs. “When symptoms are subtle, people tend to ignore them or delay seeking medical help. Cardiac emergencies progress rapidly, and without immediate attention, survival chances drop significantly. Experts often point out that the first hour is the most critical for intervention,” said Dr Sangoi.

Here’s what happened in the incident (Photo: Freepik)

What should one do if sudden, unexplained back pain or similar symptoms appear?

If back pain is intense, comes on suddenly, and is accompanied by sweating, nausea, breathlessness, or fatigue, it should be treated as a possible red flag. Dr Sangoi said that calling emergency services immediately can make all the difference. Even if it turns out not to be heart-related, it is always better to be safe.

DEVASTATING INCIDENT WHICH HAPPENED TODAY MORNING :-

One of my colleague, Shankar texted me today morning at 8.37 am with a message
“Sir, due to heavy backpain I am unable to come today. So please grant me leave.” Such type of leave requests, being usual, I replied “Ok take…

— KV Iyyer – BHARAT 🇮🇳🇮🇱 (@BanCheneProduct) September 13, 2025

What can we learn from this tragedy?

Awareness is the most powerful tool.

“Don’t ignore unusual or sudden pains, especially in the upper body. Family members can benefit themselves and others by being informed about basic CPR and having emergency contact numbers readily available. Developing a few simple lifestyle practices, like regular health checkups and stress limits, can also aid in reducing risk,” said Dr Sangoi.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.