Dr Mahathir hospitalised after suffering heart attack

Update by The Star Newsdesk 

KUALA LUMPUR: Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has been admitted to Institut Jantung Negara (IJN) after a mild heart attack early Thursday morning. 

According to a statement by IJN, Dr Mahathir had complained of mild chest pains in the early hours of Thursday 

He was then admitted into the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) for observation. 

“His condition is stable and he is expected to be kept under observation for one week’“ the statement added. 

Dr Mahathir, 81, had a coronary artery bypass surgery in 1989. 

He has been having his regular medical check-ups at the IJN. 

He was last admitted to IJN in December 2005. 

“Dr Mahathir is advised to rest and thus, will only receive visits from immediate family members,” the institute said.  

Meanwhile, the Associated Press reports that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was among the first government leaders to visit Dr Mahathir, spending less than 15 minutes in the hospital. 

Abdullah did not speak to reporters on his way out. He, however, put his palm to his tilted face in a gesture indicating that the former prime minister was sleeping or resting. 

The International Herald Tribune newspaper reported earlier this week that Dr Mahathir's doctors have told him about three blockages in his heart. 

It was the first public indication that the elder statesman was not well even though he has appeared robust and attended public functions regularly. 

Dr Mahathir's son Mirzan said his father suffered mild pain on the left side of the chest early Thursday and was rushed to hospital. 

"He is stable now," Mirzan said. 

The heart attack occurred soon after he returned from a trip to New Zealand on Wednesday night. 

Latest from AP-Wire 

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