Bangladesh cricketer Tamim Iqbal survives heart attack during match; doctor shares warnings for players | – The Times of India
Former captain of Bangladesh cricket team Tamim Iqbal is now recovering from the heart attack he had experienced during a match. “He suffered a heart attack. What I know so far is that his heart started to function better,” Debashis Chowdhury, a medical officer of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), told AFP.
He was hospitalised after experiencing chest pain during a Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League match in Dhaka. According to a report in ESPNcricinfo, the incident occurred in the first innings of the 50-over-a-side contest between Mohammedan Sporting Club and Shinepukur Cricket Club when the 36-year-old Iqbal felt pain in his chest. “Initially, a helicopter was arranged for Tamim’s movement to the hospital, but he could not be flown from the BKSP ground in Savar. He was later taken to the Fazilatunnesa Hospital,” the report quoted match referee Debabrata Paul as saying.
Tamim Iqbal underwent angioplasty
“He returned to us in a critical condition. We can call it a heart attack, and we subsequently did an angiogram and angioplasty to remove the blockage. The medical procedure has gone smoothly. He is currently under observation,” he added.
Iqbal had announced his retirement from international cricket for the second time in January this year. Earlier, in July 2023, he had made a similar announcement during an emotional press conference but reversed his decision within 24 hours following an intervention from then Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. He has more than 15,000 international runs under his belt and is the only Bangladeshi batsman to score centuries in all three international formats.
Why do players get heart attacks?
Athletes are often seen as the epitome of fitness, yet cases of players suffering heart attacks are becoming more common. The main reason is undiagnosed heart conditions, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) or arrhythmias, which can trigger sudden cardiac arrest during intense physical activity.
Excessive training and extreme physical exertion put immense strain on the heart, sometimes leading to fatal outcomes. Dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and use of performance-enhancing substances can also increase the risk.
“This is a worrying trend”
“Over the past few years, the cases of heart-related conditions among cricketers have been mounting. Tamim Iqbal’s instance of heart pain in a domestic game is a pointer to this worrying trend,” Dr. Sanjeev Chaudhary, Chairman- Cardiology, Marengo Asia Hospitals Gurugram.
“A number of factors account for heart issues in athletes. Excessive physical activity can, at times, activate underlying, undetected heart conditions like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or arrhythmias. Excessive stress, insufficient recovery time, and constant traveling can also take a toll on the heart. Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances can also cause abnormal heart rhythms,” he added.
“Lifestyle aspects such as lack of sleep, excessive use of caffeine, and performance-enhancing drugs are factors that elevate cardiovascular risk. There is a genetic factor involved too, since certain athletes will have asymptomatic heart disease, which is triggered only by excessive physical exertion.
Prevention depends on routine cardiac checks, adequate hydration, and balanced training programs. All symptoms such as pain in the chest, giddiness, or shortness of breath cannot be overlooked,” the expert added.
