Cardiac

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Married to Najahah Benyahya, and blessed with two children, Azim Danial Barakbah and Abyana Barakbah

Dec 23, 2025

FOB Annual Year End Celebration 2025

the Faculty of Business organized its Annual Year‑End Celebration 2025 at Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral, with a relaxed and lively Casual Jeans theme that set a warm and inclusive tone for the evening... the celebration brought together academic and administrative staff to reflect on a year of hard work, collaboration, and shared achievements, while strengthening bonds within the FOB community... despite being on hospitalization leave, I made the effort to attend the event, as it was important to me to celebrate alongside the FOB family, whose support and camaraderie mean a great deal... the casual yet meaningful setting allowed everyone to unwind, connect beyond their daily roles, and enjoy the spirit of togetherness, making the celebration a memorable closing to the year and a meaningful reminder of unity within the FOB community...



Dec 17, 2025

4 Bukhari Celebration

this photo is a cherished memory shared by the class teacher during a warm and joyful in‑class food celebration, capturing a special moment of togetherness among the students... the celebration was simple yet meaningful, filled with smiles, laughter, and a sense of closeness as the students enjoyed food together in their classroom... it reflected the strong bond between classmates and the caring presence of the teacher, who created a positive and supportive environment for the students... moments like these go beyond academics, helping to foster friendship, gratitude, and happy school memories that the students will carry with them for years to come...


Dec 4, 2025

Ara Damansara Day 4

this morning began with a light drizzle, and I went downstairs briefly to start my car, knowing that it usually struggles to start on Tuesdays and Wednesdays after being left unused... breakfast was simple and balanced, consisting of baked beans, scrambled eggs, mushrooms, a Yakult probiotic drink, and barley water, which was light yet nourishing... 


I have been prescribed a comprehensive post‑heart‑attack and diabetes management regimen aimed at preventing further cardiac events, controlling blood sugar, protecting the stomach, and managing cholesterol... CASprin (Aspirin) 100 mg once daily acts as an antiplatelet agent, helping to prevent blood clots from forming around the stent and reducing the risk of another heart attack... it works synergistically with Ticagrelor (Brilinta) 90 mg twice daily, which is a stronger platelet‑inhibiting medication commonly prescribed after angioplasty and stent insertion; together, this dual antiplatelet therapy is crucial for keeping the stent open during the initial healing period...

to manage diabetes, Jardiance Duo (Empagliflozin 12.5 mg + Metformin 1000 mg) taken twice daily helps lower blood sugar through two mechanisms: metformin reduces glucose production by the liver and improves insulin sensitivity, while empagliflozin increases glucose excretion through urine and also provides additional heart‑protective benefits, especially important after a cardiac event... complementing this, Ryzodeg insulin - a combination of 30% rapid‑acting insulin aspart and 70% long‑acting insulin degludec, injected 20 units twice daily subcutaneously - provides both immediate and sustained blood‑glucose control, covering meals and maintaining stable levels throughout the day and night...

for cholesterol management, Rosuvastatin 20 mg at night is a high‑intensity statin that significantly lowers LDL cholesterol, stabilizes existing plaque in the arteries, and reduces future cardiovascular risk... meanwhile, Pantoprazole 40 mg once daily is a gastric‑protective medication that reduces stomach acid, prescribed to prevent gastric irritation or bleeding caused by long‑term use of aspirin and other antiplatelet drugs... adherence to timing, dosage, lifestyle changes, and follow‑up appointments is essential to maximize recovery and long‑term health outcomes...


a diabetes specialist visited me and explained in detail the correct technique for insulin injections, including the importance of rotating injection sites... she also outlined the types of insulin, such as rapid‑acting insulin (used before meals), short‑acting insulin, intermediate‑acting insulin, and long‑acting insulin (used to maintain stable blood glucose throughout the day)... she then focused on dietary management for diabetes, advising me to prioritize whole grains, vegetables, lean protein, fruits in moderation, and low‑sugar foods, while avoiding sweetened drinks, refined carbohydrates, sugary snacks, fried foods, and highly processed items... she also highlighted that diabetes is not caused by diet alone - other significant contributors include lack of sleep, advising that bedtime should be no later than 11:00 pm, with a short nap around midday if possible... stress was also identified as a major factor in raising blood sugar levels, so maintaining a positive, relaxed, and happy‑go‑lucky mindset was strongly encouraged... in addition, she stressed that physical inactivity contributes to poor glucose control, recommending at least 20 minutes of exercise daily, even something as simple as brisk walking... lastly, she cautioned against late‑night eating, advising that dinner should be taken no later than 8:00 pm.. overall, the session was informative and practical, reinforcing that diabetes management requires a holistic approach involving diet, sleep, activity, and emotional well‑being, not medication alone...

at around 10:00 am, Munira and Hisan came to visit me, and we spent some time catching up and sharing conversations in a calm and supportive atmosphere... during our discussion, we spoke about ICMaM 2025, particularly my disappointment at not being able to be physically involved in organizing and supporting the programme due to my current health condition... I also shared that, unfortunately, I was unable to present my paper at the conference as planned; however, I had managed to submit the paper for further processing, ensuring that my academic contribution could still proceed despite my absence... the conversation was meaningful and encouraging, allowing us to reflect on the situation with understanding, acceptance, and hope for future opportunities once my recovery is complete...


my lunch consisted of brown rice, vegetables, chicken cooked in kurma-style gravy, and an apple, a meal I am now consciously adapting to, similar to the eating habits Abyana practiced when she was younger - chewing slowly and thoroughly before swallowing... this way of eating has proven health benefits, especially for someone recovering from a cardiac event and managing diabetes... slow and mindful chewing aids digestion, allowing food to be broken down more effectively and reducing strain on the stomach, which helps prevent bloating and gastric discomfort... it also improves nutrient absorption and gives the brain enough time to receive satiety signals, reducing the risk of overeating... for blood‑sugar control, eating slowly helps avoid rapid glucose spikes, as the body processes carbohydrates at a steadier pace... additionally, this habit supports heart health by promoting better portion control, lowering post‑meal metabolic stress, and encouraging a calmer, more conscious relationship with food... adopting this simple yet effective eating practice reinforces long‑term wellness by aligning diet, digestion, and metabolism in a more balanced and sustainable way...


the cardiac interventions have been successfully completed, and the overall progress shows meaningful improvement, although several values still require long‑term management and medication adherence... initially, 5 major coronary arteries were found to be 90% blocked... a stent was successfully inserted into the Right Coronary Artery (RCA) on 1 December, followed by stents placed in the Left Anterior Descending (LAD) artery and Obtuse Marginal 1 (OM1) on 6 January 2026... the remaining 2 blockages were located in small-caliber vessels, which do not require stenting and can be managed medically... this staged approach is clinically appropriate and reduces procedural risk while ensuring adequate blood flow to the heart...

the blood test results reflect significant improvement in glucose control after treatment... blood glucose was very high at 21.6 mmol/L on 1 December, indicating uncontrolled diabetes at presentation... this improved markedly to 6.1 today, showing good response to insulin and oral medication... however, the HbA1c of 14.1% (130.61 mmol/mol) confirms that blood sugar had been severely uncontrolled over the previous 2-3 months, explaining both the heart event and the need for strict long‑term management...

kidney‑related markers show mild concerns: urea at 7.6 mmol/L is slightly elevated, suggesting mild dehydration, medication effect, or early renal stress that requires monitoring... sodium at 130 mmol/L is mildly low (hyponatremia), which can occur with diabetes, certain heart medications, or fluid imbalance... lipid profile reveals high cardiovascular risk, with total cholesterol at 7.2 mmol/L and triglycerides at 5.1 mmol/L, both markedly elevated... the HDL at 0.9 mmol/L is low, increasing atherogenic risk and emphasizing the importance of statins, diet, and exercise...

other parameters are generally acceptable but need observation... uric acid at 424 µmol/L is slightly elevated and may increase the risk of gout if not controlled... calcium at 2.72 mmol/L is marginally high and should be rechecked in follow‑up... hemoglobin (HGB) of 13.7 g/dL and RBC count of 4.6 x10¹²/L are within normal range, indicating no anemia and good oxygen‑carrying capacity...

overall, the results show that acute cardiac issues have been appropriately treated, glucose control has improved significantly, and the focus now must be on lifelong medication compliance, cholesterol reduction, diabetes control, lifestyle modification, sleep discipline, stress management, and regular follow‑up... with continued adherence, these results support a positive long‑term prognosis despite the seriousness of the initial presentation...


the total medical bill amounted to RM31,917.70, of which I only needed to pay RM108.30, as the remaining balance was fully covered by Prudential insurance... the amount I paid comprised items that were not covered by the policy, namely the Easy Bath 10s charge (RM34.30), medical report fee (RM50.00), and excess room and board charges (RM24.00)... after completing the discharge process, I proceeded to the pharmacy to collect a 1‑month supply of prescribed medications, ensuring continuity of treatment and recovery at home... finally, I arrived home at around 4:00 pm, marking the end of an intense and challenging hospital journey, and the beginning of a focused recovery phase under outpatient care...

Azim’s Completion of the 30 Juz of Al-Quran

Azim’s journey in Al-Quranic memorization began during his time at SRITI Darul Amilin, where he was first introduced to hafazan, even though he had not yet completed the 30th Juz at that stage... during the hafazan interview at SMADATA, he successfully met the required standard, marking the beginning of a more serious and structured journey... starting from 21 March 2022, he embarked on his memorization from the very beginning, and today, he has successfully completed the hafazan of all 30 juz of Al-Quran... honestly, this achievement moved me to tears of joy, as I never once imagined he would reach this milestone... my deepest gratitude goes to his halaqah teacher, Ustazah Puteri Khumairah binti Khaidzir, whose patience, dedication, and guidance played a crucial role in helping him achieve this remarkable success... may this achievement serve as a strong foundation for him to grow into a child who excels both in this world and in the Hereafter, guided by the Al-Quran in character, conduct, and purpose, becoming a source of benefit, righteousness, and pride for his family, teachers, and the ummah...

 





Dec 3, 2025

Ara Damansara Day 3

I slept deeply and peacefully through the night, and when I woke up in the morning, my body felt noticeably refreshed and lighter... for the first time since being admitted, I was finally able to perform my prayers at the surau, no longer needing to pray in bed as I had to while in the ICU - an experience that brought great relief and gratitude... the nurse informed me that, pending continued stability, I would likely be discharged the following day, which was uplifting news... at around 10:00 am, the dietitian visited and shared important guidance tailored to my condition - having undergone stent insertion, with underlying concerns of cholesterol and diabetes... she emphasized a heart‑healthy diet consisting of whole grains, lean protein, plenty of vegetables, fruits, and reduced salt intake, while strongly advising avoidance of fried foods, high‑fat dairy, processed meats, sugary drinks, refined carbohydrates, and foods high in saturated and trans fats... portion control, regular meal timing, and choosing healthier cooking methods such as steaming, grilling, or boiling were also stressed as essential for long‑term cardiac health...

Abyana had called me and jokingly banned me from doing any heavy household chores after this, saying Azim should take over instead... her light‑hearted humour was comforting; more importantly, I felt reassured knowing that both of them were not overly worried, and that they remained focused on their hafazan booster programme, progressing steadily according to their targets... later in the day, Abang Mohar, Kak G, Ali, Bi Faridah, and Syed Zain came to visit, and we had a relaxed conversation reflecting on how the heart attack happened and the importance of recognizing early warning signs... 

Lunch was a healthy serving of brown rice, vegetables, mackerel cooked in sour broth, and an apple, aligned with the dietary advice given earlier... Naja visited at about 2:00 pm, and we discussed again the dietitian’s recommendations and the lifestyle adjustments needed moving forward; I also asked her to bring home the fruits that were given so nothing would go to waste... after Maghrib, I spent some quiet time updating the carry marks, completing the task by 10:00 pm... with the day winding down, I felt a sense of calm and accomplishment... it was finally time to rest properly, closing a day marked by physical improvement, supportive family presence, and renewed determination to prioritize health and recovery...

Dec 2, 2025

Ara Damansara Day 2

early in the morning, blood samples were taken and gastric‑protective medication was administered... this is a standard precaution, as multiple strong medications - especially antiplatelets such as aspirin and Plavix - had been introduced into my body the previous day, which can irritate the stomach lining... being fully conscious in the ICU was, to be honest, quite monotonous and uncomfortable... I was not allowed to walk to the toilet; for urination, a urinal funnel was provided, and for bowel movement, I deliberately avoided it as I did not want to use diapers and be cleaned by the nurses... breakfast was kept very light, consisting only of fried vermicelli...

at around 9:00 am, Dr. Liew came by to explain the angiography findings, showing images of my coronary arteries before and after the stent placement... he explained that the right coronary artery, which had been significantly narrowed due to plaque buildup, now showed good blood flow after the insertion of one stent, with the artery successfully reopened and restoring oxygen supply to the heart muscle... the remaining blockage in the left coronary artery was described as stable but still significant and would be managed in a staged manner, to be addressed in the following month to allow my condition to stabilize and to observe how well my heart adapts with optimal blood flow from the treated vessel... overall, he reassured me that the outcome of the first procedure was successful and uncomplicated...

at about 12:00 noon, I was transferred from the ICU room to undergo a bubble test, formally known as an agitated saline contrast echocardiogram... this test involves injecting saline mixed with tiny air bubbles into a vein while performing an echocardiogram to observe how blood flows through the heart chambers... the purpose is to detect any abnormal communication between the right and left sides of the heart, such as a patent foramen ovale (PFO) or shunt, which could affect oxygen circulation or increase clot‑related risks... the procedure was non‑invasive, performed while I was awake, and served as part of a comprehensive assessment following the heart attack to ensure there were no hidden structural issues contributing to my condition...

for lunch, my meal was a simple and healthy combination of brown rice, chicken soup, vegetables, and watermelon... eating in the ICU, however, was not very appetizing - it was more about sustenance than enjoyment, as I deliberately did not want to stimulate bowel movement while confined to using diapers... during the day, Dr. Liew clearly informed me that from this point onward, I would need to take cardiac medication for life, an essential step to prevent future cardiac events and to ensure long‑term heart health... Abang Mahdi and Naja arrived at 4:00 pm... Naja had already messaged Azim and Abyana’s class teacher to gently inform them about my condition so they would be aware and emotionally prepared... when we spoke, our conversation naturally shifted to lifestyle changes and health management going forward - diet, rest, stress control, and adherence to medication... I also asked Naja to bring my laptop tomorrow, anticipating a gradual return to light activities once stable...


not long after Naja left, I was informed that Ward 3A, Room 317, was ready... with Dr. Liew’s approval, I was transferred out of the ICU and into the general ward - a moment that brought overwhelming relief and comfort... the simple joy of finally being able to use the toilet independently was indescribable after the prolonged physical and mental restriction in intensive care... that night, I went to bed early and peacefully, finally able to rest properly after the discomfort and restlessness of ICU life, marking a small yet meaningful step forward in my recovery journey...

Dec 1, 2025

Ara Damansara Day 1

after having breakfast at Putrajaya Marriott Hotel, I informed Naja about the incident that had occurred last night... initially, I assumed it was merely a GERD attack, but she strongly advised me to get it checked at a clinic... after completing the hotel check‑out, I went straight to Mediklinik Mikhail Puncak Alam and consulted Dr. Muhammed Sultan... when I mentioned the excessive sweating I experienced while resting in the restroom, he immediately performed an ECG, which confirmed that I had actually suffered a heart attack on the day of the incident... without delay, the doctor administered Aspirin 300 mg and Plavix 300 mg stat and issued a referral letter for urgent hospital treatment... I immediately contacted Naja to inform her of my condition and we agreed to proceed to Ara Damansara Medical Centre... I declined waiting for an ambulance, insisting that I would arrange my own transport, and eventually drove myself to the emergency department... there, another ECG was conducted and confirmed the same diagnosis - a mild heart attack... Naja arrived shortly after and promptly handled matters at the counter, including urgent arrangements for angioplasty... once approval from Prudential was obtained, I was transferred to the cardiac catheterization laboratory, where the angioplasty was performed by Dr. Liew Chee Khoon, a cardiologist at the centre... I remained fully conscious throughout the entire procedure, during which 1 stent was inserted into my right coronary artery... I was informed that another blockages in the left coronary artery would be addressed in the following month to allow careful monitoring of blood flow and overall stability first... this was my first experience being fully awake inside an operating theatre, and the procedure went smoothly without complications... I was then transferred to the ICU, where I was able to converse with both Naja and the attending doctors... I asked her to inform the FOB WhatsApp group about my condition... as ICU visiting hours were limited, she returned home while I remained there to rest and recover under close medical supervision...