Tamim overcomes danger period, needs 3-month rest

Former Bangladesh cricket captain Tamim Iqbal, who suffered severe cardiac arrest on Monday morning, is now out of danger.

He will leave the hospital anytime as per the decision of his family members.

According to the Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) Professor Abu Jafar, Tamim’s health condition has improved, but it will take at least three months for him to return to regular sporting activities.

He came up with the development on Tuesday after visiting Tamim Iqbal at KPJ Hospital in Savar.

“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.

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.”

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.”