Mohamed Imthiyaz, a 62-year-old Maldivian, died from a heart attack while performing his second Umrah at Masjid al-Haram in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday evening. He had a known history of cardiac issues and was fitted with a pacemaker. The incident comes as Maldivian authorities highlight a concerning rise in heart attack and stroke deaths, with about 500 stroke-related deaths recorded at IGMH over four years.
Muslims perform Umrah in heavy rain
A Maldivian performing the Umrah pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia has died after suffering a heart attack.
The deceased has been identified as 62-year-old Mohamed Imthiyaz of M. Sakkeyomaage, who traveled for the Umrah pilgrimage under the care of Al-Manasik Hajj & Umrah Group.
Reports citing the group state that the incident occurred at Masjid al-Haram at approximately 7:35 p.m. on Wednesday night while he was performing his second Umrah. It was also noted that Imthiyaz had a known history of cardiac issues and had been fitted with a pacemaker.
This comes at a time relevant authorities recently drew attention to a growing number of deaths linked to heart attacks and strokes in the Maldives. Data from the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) shows that around 500 individuals have died as a result of strokes over the past four years.
