Inzamam 'fine' after undergoing angioplasty; clarifies he did not suffer a heart attack

He said his visit to the hospital had been a “routine check-up” after experiencing discomfort in his stomach

Former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq has, in his first public comments since undergoing an angioplasty, clarified that he did not suffer a heart attack. He also thanked people who had wished him well around the world, and confirmed he was on the mend.

In a video shot at his home and uploaded to his YouTube channel, Inzamam said his visit to the hospital had been a “routine check-up” after experiencing discomfort in his stomach. “I want to thank everyone in Pakistan and around the world for praying for my health. I want to thank the Pakistan people, and cricketers from Pakistan and around the world who sent their well-wishes.

“I saw reports saying I had suffered a heart attack. I did not. I went to my doctor for a routine check-up, who said they wanted to conduct an angiography. During angiography, they noted an artery of mine was blocked, so they inserted stents to alleviate that problem. It was successful and easy, and I came back home after just 12 hours at the hospital. I feel fine.”

The 51-year old was taken to hospital complaining of chest pains on Monday; at the time his management had said that he had suffered a heart attack, and had to be rushed for surgery.

Inzamam urged people to keep tabs on their cardiac health, and consult their doctor if they had any concerns. “I went to the doctor because I felt a very slight bit of discomfort. It wasn’t even close to the heart area, but the stomach. Had I delayed getting it checked out, doctors said the heart could have been damaged.”

Inzamam, 51, is Pakistan’s highest run-getter in ODIs with 11701 runs in 375 matches, and their third-highest in Tests with 8829 runs in 119 matches. He was also among the country’s most successful captains.

He retired from the international game in 2007 and has since held several positions in Pakistan, as a batting consultant and then the chief selector from 2016 to 2019. He has also worked as head coach of Afghanistan.