President diagnosed with heart block, undergoes stent implantation in UK

A significant block has been detected in the heart of President Mohammed Shahabuddin during a routine medical check-up in the United Kingdom, prompting immediate angioplasty and placement of a stent.

The stent implantation procedure was performed at Royal Papworth Hospital in Cambridge yesterday afternoon (12 May), President's Press Secretary Sarwar Alam said, adding that he is currently in stable and satisfactory condition.

Quoting President's personal physician Colonel Dr AKM Faizul Haque, who is accompanying him in the UK, Sarwar told UNB that Shahabuddin underwent an angiogram under the supervision of interventional cardiologist Dr Stephen Holley at the hospital.

During the examination, a major block was identified in one of the coronary arteries, prompting immediate angioplasty and placement of a stent, he said.

The press secretary also said the president is now under close observation and care of the hospital's medical team and sought prayers from the people of Bangladesh for his speedy recovery.

In October 2023, President Mohammed Shahabuddin underwent open-heart surgery at the National University Hospital (NUH) in Singapore. Since then, he has been receiving follow-up treatment for heart-related complications at Royal Papworth Hospital in Cambridge.

Royal Papworth Hospital is internationally renowned for its advanced cardiac treatment and research and is recognised as one of the institutions involved in the world's first successful heart transplant procedures.

The President left Dhaka for London on 9 May for follow-up treatment and health examinations. He is scheduled to return home on 18 May after completing his medical care.