The executive check-up suites at the Korean Medical Center.
DOHA: In the high-stakes world of business, success often comes with a hidden price; your health. Studies cited in the Harvard Business Review reveal that over 70% of corporate leaders neglect regular health check-ups, despite mounting evidence linking their lifestyle to serious medical conditions.
The American Heart Association warns that long-term stress elevates blood pressure and increases inflammation; a deadly combination that can quietly develop into major health conditions. Yet many executives continue to ignore subtle warning signs like fatigue, headaches, or shortness of breath, dismissing them as minor inconveniences. For some, that choice proves fatal.
This scenario plays out all too often. The wake-up call, when it comes, is usually brutal, and for many, it’s too late to reverse the damage.
CEOs and executives are 40% more likely to suffer from heart disease than the average person, driven by a mix of chronic stress, sedentary habits, poor sleep, and irregular eating schedules. Heart attacks, strokes, and burnout silently loom over boardrooms and strategy meetings, fueled by the unchecked pressures of chronic stress and neglect.
Stress’ Fatal Grip
Stress does more than drain your energy; it rewires your entire system. Research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) demonstrates that chronic stress elevates cortisol levels, a hormone that, when sustained, can wreak havoc on the body by damaging blood vessels, impairing insulin sensitivity, and raising cholesterol. This cascade of effects initiates a dangerous cycle: stress accelerates physical deterioration, making it harder for individuals to manage high-pressure situations effectively. Over time, this leads to conditions such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, and type 2 diabetes.
"We see it all the time," says Dr. Sunpyo Lee, Head of Executive Health at the Korean Medical Center (KMC) in Lusail. "Many executives come to us after ignoring their health for years. They think they’re managing fine until one day, they’re not. That’s when a seemingly small issue—like dizziness or exhaustion—turns out to be a red flag for something much more serious."
Why Leaders Postpone Their Own Well-Being
For many CEOs, the biggest obstacle isn’t lack of access to healthcare; it’s mindset. Business leaders are often trapped by the very culture they help create: one that views self-care as a hassle. Executives routinely postpone health screenings, telling themselves they can “get through one more quarter” before addressing their well-being. Others fear that stepping away for a medical check-up may be perceived as a lack of commitment.
The data tells a different story. A global survey conducted by Deloitte Insights found that fewer than 20% of executives regularly undergo preventive screenings. Yet those who do are 50% less likely to experience critical health events within the next five years. The evidence is undeniable: early detection saves lives and careers.
Dr. Lee draws a powerful analogy: "If your company was hemorrhaging cash, you’d order a full audit immediately. Your body is no different. You can’t keep ignoring the warning signs and expect things to magically improve."
When Health Becomes a Crisis
Hamad Mubarak Al Hajri, CEO of the Qatari tech giant Snoonu, knows this struggle all too well. In the early years of Snoonu’s rapid expansion, Hamad often worked 16-hour days fueled by caffeine and adrenaline.
At that time, Qatar lacked access to advanced executive health screening programs like those offered today at centers like KMC.
Like many executives, Hamad noticed signs of strain—occasional headaches, feeling tired more often, and struggling to stay focused during meetings. But nothing seemed urgent enough to warrant concern. "You think, ‘This is just how it is,’" he recalls.
It wasn’t until a friend recommended he get a full screening that he decided to take action. The results surprised him. Elevated cholesterol and early signs of inflammation signaled risks he hadn’t expected. "It made me step back and think about how I was operating, not just the business, but myself," Hamad explains. "When your health isn’t in check, you’re not performing at your best. And as a leader, that has consequences."
For Hamad, the wake-up call transformed his outlook on leadership. "You cannot lead effectively or make sound decisions when your health is on the back burner," he asserts. "I learned that the hard way. When your body isn’t performing well, your mind suffers. You lose clarity and resilience in high-pressure situations."
He now credits his commitment to health as one of the factors behind Snoonu's sustained growth. Since his diagnosis, he’s made changes that include regular screenings, structured nutrition, and integrating recovery periods into his schedule.
The Growing Demand for Executive Health Programs
Hamad’s transformation reflects a broader trend across the GCC, where executives are beginning to recognize the value of preventive healthcare. Leading institutions like the Korean Medical Center have responded to this need by developing specialized programs that cater to high-profile professionals. These programs combine advanced diagnostics with holistic care strategies designed to keep executives performing at their peak.
KMC’s Executive Health Center partners with South Korea’s Asan Medical Center, a global leader in preventive medicine. The center offers a range of services, including cardiovascular screenings, early cancer detection, and metabolic evaluations. According to Dr. Lee, the goal is to provide more than just data. "We give our patients a roadmap for long-term success. It’s about prevention and optimization, not just reacting to crises."
Shifting the Corporate Mindset on Health
Despite the rising interest in wellness programs, stigma around self-care persists in some corporate environments. Many executives still view prioritizing their health as a sign of weakness or indulgence. However, this perception is gradually shifting as more leaders advocate for preventive care.
Hamad has become one of those advocates within his company. "I tell my team that if we don’t take care of ourselves, we’re risking everything," he says. "Health isn’t a luxury. It’s what enables us to keep pushing boundaries, to innovate, and to lead."
Studies back this shift in philosophy. Companies that invest in executive wellness programs see measurable improvements in productivity, reduced absenteeism, and lower healthcare costs. This is particularly relevant in high-pressure sectors, where burnout can cripple both individuals and organizational performance.
Investing in Longevity and Success
Chronic conditions, mental exhaustion, and stress do not just threaten personal well-being; they can derail entire business operations. Preventive healthcare offers executives a pathway to stay ahead of these risks.
For leaders like Hamad, the lesson is clear. "You cannot build a future if you are constantly putting out fires within your own body. Investing in your health is not a distraction. It is the foundation for everything else."
Centers like KMC are designed to support this journey, helping leaders take a proactive approach to their well-being. Dr. Lee underscores the importance of acting sooner rather than later. "Do not wait for a crisis to force you into action," she says. "The time to take control of your health is now, before your body makes the decision for you. When you prioritize your health today, you secure your ability to lead tomorrow."
For Executives, the choice is clear: Take charge of your health today, to avoid the risk of it taking charge of you when you are least prepared.
