Prospective Hajj Pilgrims Are Asked To Report Immediately If They Experience Symptoms Of Heart Abnormalities

Indonesian Hajj pilgrims take part in specialist services for handling high-risk pilgrims at KKHI Daker Mecca, Wednesday (29/6/2022) (ANTARA/Desi Purnamawati)

MECCA - Indonesian Hajj pilgrims are urged to report immediately if they experience symptoms of a heart condition so that they are treated immediately.

"Heart disease dominates the deaths of pilgrims in Indonesia until the 28th day of Hajj operations this year. Of the 14 deaths, 12 of them were caused by heart disease," said a team of doctors from the Indonesian Hajj Health Office (KKHI) Mecca, Dr. Mohammad Rizki Akbar, a Cardiologist and Blood Vessel Specialist in Mecca was reported by Antara, Wednesday, June 29.

Data shows that as of Monday (27/6), of the 462 pilgrims who underwent outpatient examination, 42 of them were related to heart disorders. Meanwhile, out of a total of 179 congregants who were hospitalized, 13 of them were heart patients.

He explained that there were three types of heart defects experienced by the congregation being treated at KKHI Mecca, both outpatients, and inpatients.

"The first group is the most common in the heart failure group," said Rizki.

In this group, the most common complaint is shortness of breath. In addition, it is also easy to get tired during activities, or is usually marked by swelling in the legs.

"Usually it happens because of taking medication irregularly, or religious activities (physical) that are too heavy," he added.

The second group was patients who came with complaints of chest pain. This happens, possibly due to the narrowing of blood vessels in the heart.

While the third group were patients who came with complaints of palpitations. This occurs due to a disturbance in the heart rhythm.

He suggested that every time they feel a complaint, pilgrims who have heart risk factors must immediately convey to the health workers in the group, both to doctors and nurses, so that an evaluation of the condition of the congregation can immediately be carried out and a decision is made on the actions needed by the congregation.

"So they can immediately evaluate whether this is related to the worsening of the condition or not. Thus we can provide services and treatment at KKHI," said Rizki.