United News of Bangladesh

Doctors at KPJ Specialized Hospital in Gazipur advised former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal, who underwent a medical procedure after a heart attack on Monday, to stay under close observation there for at least 48 to 72 more hours. While Tamim’s condition has improved significantly—he is walking, speaking with family members, and was briefly moved to a cabin—doctors have warned against premature movement or excitement. “He was in critical condition when brought in,” said Dr. Razeeb Hasan, KPJ’s medical director. “We performed an angiogram, angioplasty, and placed a stent, all of which went smoothly. The blockage is now fully cleared.” Tamim Iqbal regains consciousness, speaks with family However, doctors stressed the risk has not entirely over. “This is a deceptive phase. He seems fine, but abnormal heartbeats can recur,” said Prof. Abdul Wadud Chowdhury, Director of the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, after examining Tamim earlier today. “The chance of complication is below one percent, but if it occurs, the risk becomes 100% for the patient. Given Tamim’s stature as a national icon, we’ve advised he remain here under observation,” he added. Cricket world prays for Tamim after heart attack Health Directorate Director Prof. Md. Abu Zafar also visited Tamim at the hospital and echoed the concerns. “Although his condition is stable, we must remember the stent is a foreign object. There can be reactions like thrombosis. He should rest, avoid speaking too much or experiencing excitement,” Prof. Abu Zafar said. The medical team has recommended that Tamim refrain from travel for now, despite the family’s consideration of moving him to another facility. Doctors explained that while it is natural to seek the best care possible, any transfer should be weighed carefully against medical risks. Tamim’s family has yet to make a final decision, although they are in consultation with a relative who is also a medical professional. Doctors emphasized that while the risk is now low, this 72-hour period remains critical. “He can resume normal movement at home in time, but a return to sports will take at least three months,” said Prof. Wadud. “For now, rest is his best medicine.”

Former Bangladesh national cricket team captain Tamim Iqbal's health condition has improved, but it will take at least three months for him to return to regular sporting activities, according to the Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) Professor Abu Jafar. Speaking to journalists on Tuesday after visiting Tamim at KPJ Hospital in Savar, Professor Abu Jafar provided updates on the cricketer’s recovery process. "Tamim Iqbal needs at least three months to return to normal activities, meaning sports. However, he will be able to carry out normal household tasks and walk within a week. He must remain under rest. Although all tests have come back normal so far, not all conditions are always detected immediately,” he said. Cricket world prays for Tamim after heart attack Professor Abu Jafar went on to say, “His initial ECG did not show any changes and an echocardiogram (ECHO) performed this morning was also normal. However, unforeseen complications can arise at any moment. We have discussed these matters extensively with his family, and now the decision is theirs." A Close Call for the Cricket Star Providing details on Tamim's emergency hospitalisation, the DGHS Director General said, "Our national asset, Tamim Iqbal, felt unwell around 10:30 am yesterday. When he arrived here, doctors suspected a cardiac problem and administered initial treatment and tests. It was advised that he should not be moved immediately. However, given his stature as a national celebrity, he made the decision to be transferred to Dhaka as soon as possible, with arrangements for a helicopter already in place." "During this time, he suffered a heart attack, and his pulse was undetectable. The doctors promptly administered CPR and took measures to restart his heart," he added. Professor Abu Jafar expressed gratitude for the timely medical intervention. "Thanks to everyone's prayers and the dedicated efforts of his medical team, Tamim Iqbal is now stable. His condition is promising, but there is always some risk associated with a primary PCI (Percutaneous Coronary Intervention). The inserted stent is a foreign object, and there is a slight possibility of complications such as blockages or reactions. Although statistically rare, these risks exist." He further noted, "We have informed his family about these concerns. Thanks to the hard work of Dr Maruf and his team, along with divine blessings, we have been able to give Tamim a new lease on life. People naturally want the best possible medical care, but we have discussed with his family the safety of his immediate transfer. There is still a degree of risk involved." CA Dr Yunus enquires about Tamim Iqbal’s health condition   Cardiac Specialist's Opinion In response to queries, Professor Abdul Wadud, Director of the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD), said, "The risk factor is minimal—around one per cent. However, if complications arise, the risk becomes 100 per cent. It is advisable for Tamim to stay here for at least 48 to 72 hours before considering a transfer elsewhere." He elaborated, "What Tamim experienced is common in cases of acute heart attacks. Studies show that 10 to 20 per cent of patients suffering from acute heart attacks do not make it to the hospital. Cardiac arrest can occur at any time, as it did in Tamim’s case. Fortunately, medical professionals were with him, and they immediately initiated cardiac massage when his heart stopped pumping on its own. He was then swiftly taken to the hospital for further treatment."