Maldivian Pilgrim Succumbs to Heart Attack During Umrah in Saudi Arabia

A 62-year-old Maldivian pilgrim, Mohamed Imthiyaz, tragically passed away from a heart attack while performing his second Umrah at Masjid al-Haram in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday evening. Imthiyaz, a resident of M. Sakkeyomaage, had a known history of cardiac issues and was fitted with a pacemaker. The incident occurred around 7:35 p.m. while he was engaged in the pilgrimage under the care of Al-Manasik Hajj & Umrah Group. This unfortunate event comes amidst growing concerns over the rising number of heart attack and stroke-related deaths in the Maldives. According to data from Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH), approximately 500 stroke-related deaths have been recorded over the past four years, prompting authorities to highlight the urgent need for addressing cardiovascular health in the country.