Cardiac

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

Jan 30, 2026

Wang Bantuan Persekolahan (BAP) 2026

Wang Bantuan Persekolahan (BAP) 2026 is a financial assistance programme that provides RM150 per student to help ease the cost of schooling for eligible families... this support is intended to assist with essential educational expenses such as school supplies, uniforms, and learning materials, ensuring that students are better prepared for the academic year and able to continue their education with greater confidence and stability...

Jan 24, 2026

Begum Restaurant

Begum Restaurant in Puncak Alam is a popular dining destination known for its rich flavours and authentic cuisine... the restaurant offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere, making it an ideal place for family meals, casual gatherings, and special occasions... with a menu that highlights well-prepared traditional dishes, Begum Restaurant has become a preferred choice among locals and visitors seeking a satisfying and enjoyable dining experience...

Syed Mohamad Ashari Daughter's Wedding

we had the honour of attending the wedding celebration of the daughter of Syed Mohamad Ashari Al‑Yahya, which was held in a beautiful and elegant setting at Magica Subang Hall, Level 4, Star Avenue Mall... the event was a joyful and memorable occasion, attended by family members and distinguished guests who gathered to celebrate the union of two hearts... heartfelt congratulations to the newlyweds, Sharifah Miza Humaira and Syed Ali Uraidi - may their marriage be blessed with happiness, love, and lasting harmony...


Jan 23, 2026

Sofa Rich Repair

the sofa has been fully refurbished and replaced with a renewed finish, restoring both comfort and appearance... the repair work included reinforcing the seating with wooden boards, replacing the foam and cushion covers, and changing the upholstery fabric entirely... the service was provided by Sofa Rich Repair, located at no. 20, Jalan Hillpark Aspirasi 10/3, Saujana Utama, Sungai Buloh (Tel: 011‑1232 1837)... the total cost for the refurbishment was RM1,200... the sofa was sent for repair on 9 February and was completed and ready today, marking a satisfying transformation after the restoration process...



Jan 22, 2026

Unifi TV 2.0

we are no longer using the Unifi TV box, as entertainment content can now be accessed directly through smart TVs and integrated streaming platforms... this change offers greater convenience, reduces the need for additional hardware, and creates a more streamlined viewing experience... with everything available in one place, home entertainment has become simpler and more efficient... Unifi TV 2.0 is an enhanced entertainment platform designed to deliver a more seamless and engaging viewing experience for users... with its refreshed interface and improved features, Unifi TV 2.0 brings together live TV channels, on‑demand content, and popular streaming services in one convenient platform... It offers greater flexibility and ease of access, making home entertainment more enjoyable for individuals and families alike... 

Times Contractors

a contractor from Times Telecommunication is currently carrying out work in the Alam Suria area, with the main task of pulling and installing telecommunication cables... during the course of this work, I was required to verify the contractor’s presence to ensure safety and proper coordination... the verification was conducted by confirming the vehicle registration details of the contractor operating within our lane...

Jan 20, 2026

Prudential - Critical Illness

I submitted a Critical Illness Claim (Doctor’s Statement) for Heart‑Related Conditions to Prudential Insurance on 14 January through my Prudential agent’s secretary, Puan Ayu... Alhamdulillah, today I was informed that my claim had been approved and that I am officially listed under Critical Illness coverage... effective from January 2026, I am no longer required to make monthly premium payments until 2076, while my children are exempted from their monthly payments until they reach the age of 24 - Azim until 2034 and Abyana until 2036... after reaching that age, both Azim and Abyana will resume their premium payments... my sincere appreciation and thanks to Prudential for this invaluable support...

Jan 12, 2026

Red

Red captured in an irresistibly cute sleeping pose that instantly brings a sense of calm and joy... curled up comfortably and completely at ease, Red’s peaceful expression reflects a moment of pure contentment... watching Red sleep so soundly is a gentle reminder of the simple happiness found in everyday moments...

Cheerful

we strike a cheerful pose together, capturing a moment of genuine happiness as a family... smiles, laughter, and togetherness fill the frame, reflecting the warmth and love we share... this happy family moment reminds us that the simplest poses often hold the most meaningful memories...




Jan 11, 2026

Outing and Overnight Schedule

this document outlines the hostel outing and overnight return schedule for students of SMADATA for the year 2026... the schedule is designed to ensure proper planning, student safety, and effective coordination between the school, hostel management, parents, and guardians... by adhering to the designated outing and overnight return times, students are encouraged to maintain discipline while balancing academic responsibilities and personal well‑being...

Jan 10, 2026

Snake's Shed Skin

I discovered a snake’s shed skin near a mango tree in front of Mak Abah’ house, a finding that immediately caught my attention... the presence of the shed skin suggests a natural molting process, indicating that a snake had recently been in the area as part of its growth cycle... this discovery serves as a reminder to remain cautious while also appreciating the natural wildlife that exists around our home environment... it is highly likely that the shed skin belongs to the Ular Tedung Selar, the king cobra that is well known in Malaysia...

Jan 8, 2026

Ara Damansara Day 4

I slept deeply today and woke up feeling genuinely refreshed, with my body noticeably lighter and more energized... I started the morning early with a shower, and throughout my stay in the ward, I have been performing my prayers in my room; having a private room made it easier to focus, especially with a prayer mat readily provided... my blood glucose reading of 5.9 measured using a glucometer indicates the level of sugar in the blood at the time of testing and is generally considered acceptable... breakfast this morning was a simple serving of scrambled eggs with beans...


at 9 am, Dr Liew came by for his routine visit, checked on my condition, and reduced my insulin dosage from 20 to 16 units while keeping all other medications unchanged... today marks an important milestone, as I am scheduled to be discharged after noon... it was also uplifting to receive the good news that I am finally allowed to drink plain black coffee without sugar - something I have been waiting for since my stent procedure last December... at 9:30 am, the nurse carried out blood tests and recorded my ECG readings, completing a reassuring start to a meaningful day of recovery...

Abang Mahdi came to visit at 10:30 in the morning, arriving on his own, as Kak Yusa and Umar are currently in Ireland attending Yaya’s graduation ceremony, after which Yaya will be returning to Malaysia... during his visit, we spent time talking about his heart bypass surgery at IJN in June last year, including the challenges he faced during the healing process... he also shared insights into the treatment costs, which amounted to RM95,000, of which only RM50,000 was covered by Prudential, with the remaining balance paid using EPF savings... the expenses were higher due to his extended stay in the ICU caused by an unstable heart condition... we later took the opportunity to connect with Kak Pah via a WhatsApp call, sharing updates focused mainly on family matters and health, making the conversation both meaningful and reassuring...


I invited him to go down to Kenangan Coffee, as Dr. Liew had given me permission to enjoy a cup of plain black coffee today... we continued our conversation there in a more relaxed setting, taking the opportunity to unwind and chat over coffee... this time, we connected with Walid through a WhatsApp call, as is often our routine... Walid shared his usual natural health tips while we also discussed family matters, with him keen to hear the latest updates about the children and grandchildren... the moment felt unhurried and comforting, filled with meaningful exchanges and a sense of gratitude for shared time and good company...


at last, I was able to truly enjoy a cup of hot Americano, while Abang Mahdi opted for a comforting hot chocolate... in the past, I would usually ask for an extra shot, but this time I chose to keep it simple with a regular shot... naturally, it was without sugar, as I wanted to savour the authentic bitterness of the coffee - adding sugar would only mask its true character... that, to me, is the real satisfaction of drinking coffee... having once worked as a barista, I have always appreciated the depth, balance, and quiet pleasure that comes from experiencing coffee in its purest form...


after spending about an hour chatting in the lobby, he made his way home, and I returned to the ward to meet the diabetes specialist... as expected, the session was fairly casual, as I had already consulted this specialist before...

the discharge process went smoothly, with all expenses of RM47,802.40 fully covered by MediExpress... I then stopped by the pharmacy to collect a month’s supply of medication... the prescribed medication regimen serves multiple complementary therapeutic purposes aimed at cardiovascular protection, glycaemic control, and gastrointestinal safety following coronary intervention... Aspirin (CASprin) 100 mg once daily and ticagrelor (Brilinta) 90 mg twice daily together constitute dual antiplatelet therapy, which is essential to prevent platelet aggregation, reduce the risk of stent thrombosis, and lower the likelihood of recurrent myocardial infarction or stroke... Rosuvastatin (Crestor) 20 mg taken at night is a high‑intensity statin prescribed to reduce LDL cholesterol levels and stabilize atherosclerotic plaques, thereby decreasing long‑term cardiovascular risk... for diabetes management, Jardiance Duo (empagliflozin with metformin) is used to improve glycaemic control through enhanced insulin sensitivity and increased urinary glucose excretion, while also conferring additional cardiovascular and renal protective benefits; this is complemented by Ryzodeg insulin, which combines rapid‑acting and long‑acting insulin components to provide both basal and post‑meal glucose control... lastly, Pantoprazole 40 mg once daily is included to reduce gastric acid secretion and protect the gastrointestinal tract from irritation or bleeding, particularly important in the setting of prolonged antiplatelet therapy...

my next appointment with Dr. Liew is scheduled for next month, during which my hospitalization coverage will continue until that visit... I finally headed home with Naja, feeling a deep sense of relief to be back in familiar surroundings - ready to rest and focus on recovery...

Jan 7, 2026

Ara Damansara Day 3

today, I finally had a restful sleep - something that was nearly impossible while I was still in the ICU, where the constant sound of machines and the difficulty of even going to the bathroom made proper rest hard to achieve... being transferred to the ward brought a sense of relief; I was able to take a proper shower and felt refreshed both physically and mentally... I started the day with Nasi Goreng Kampung for breakfast, a classic Malaysian fried rice dish that reflects the simplicity and authenticity of traditional village cooking.. prepared with rice, fragrant garlic, shallots, anchovies, chilies, and a touch of shrimp paste, it delivers a bold and comforting flavour without the need for elaborate ingredients... 


I received reassuring news from my programme leader that the dean has decided to withdraw all my teaching load this semester, encouraging me to focus fully on recovery... this decision allows me to concentrate on completing my SIM 2.0 tasks for the year and to refocus on progressing with my PhD... lunch was Ikan Tenggiri Masak Asam, a traditional Malaysian dish known for its refreshing balance of sourness and spice... made with Spanish mackerel simmered in a light broth of tamarind, chilies, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, this dish highlights the natural flavour of the fish without being overly rich..


Naja came by with my laptop so I could slowly resume work while resting... as usual, I chose to spend the night alone, asking everyone to head home so they could rest as well... dinner was Korean Chicken, a satisfying dish that combines crispy or tender chicken coated in a flavourful Korean-style sauce with a serving of warm, fluffy rice..known for its balance of sweet, savoury, and mildly spicy notes, the dish often features ingredients such as gochujang, garlic, and soy sauce, creating a rich and comforting taste... 


I turned in early, determined to make the most of this time by getting the rest my body truly needs... adequate rest is extremely important after undergoing a stent procedure, as it allows the body time to heal and recover effectively... proper rest supports the heart’s recovery, helps stabilize blood circulation, and reduces physical strain during the critical post-procedure period... by prioritizing sufficient sleep and mindful rest, I can regains strength gradually, minimize complications, and promote overall well-being, making rest an essential part of the recovery journey rather than merely a pause from daily activities...

Jan 6, 2026

Ara Damansara Day 2

this morning, I was permitted to have a sandwich before 8:00 am, as my blood glucose reading was stable at 4.8, eliminating the need for insulin injections or diabetes medication... I was then required to fast in preparation for the angioplasty procedure scheduled for 1:00 pm... at 9:30 am, Dr. Liew visited to explain the procedure in detail, informing me that I would be placed under sedation so he could maintain full focus, particularly since my hands had moved involuntarily during a previous procedure while I was conscious... as 2 stents are to be inserted today, precision is crucial... Naja will be arriving from the office before the procedure begins...

my HbA1c result of 8.9% (73.76 mmol/mol) indicates that my blood glucose has been poorly controlled and remains within the diabetes range, suggesting that blood sugar levels have been consistently elevated over the past few months... however, this result represents a significant improvement compared to my previous readings, reflecting positive progress in managing my condition... while the level is still above the recommended target, the improvement indicates that ongoing efforts in treatment, lifestyle changes, and glucose monitoring are having a beneficial effect and should be continued to achieve better long‑term control...

the coronary angiography procedure was performed with the support of a multidisciplinary catheterization laboratory team, comprising Co Treating Doctor: Dr. Amiruddin, Technologist: Loshini, Scrub Nurse: Asuani, Circulating Nurses: Kokila and Nur Farhah Asyiqin, and Radiographer: Syarul Hafiz, using Optitorque 5F catheters for both the left and right coronary systems... angiographic findings demonstrated a normal left main stem, but revealed critical obstructive disease involving the proximal left anterior descending artery (90%), a small first diagonal branch with severe stenosis (90%), and a significantly diseased obtuse marginal branch (OM1) with 90% stenosis, while the circumflex artery itself was recessive and otherwise normal... the right coronary artery showed a patent proximal stent with normal mid-to-distal segments, although moderate disease (50%) was noted in the PDA and PLV branches... overall, the findings confirm patent prior intervention to the RCA with significant residual coronary artery disease in the proximal LAD and OM1, for which percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to the proximal LAD and OM1 is recommended...

the procedure performed was a staged percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) aimed at restoring adequate blood flow to two critically narrowed coronary arteries: the proximal left anterior descending artery (LAD) and the first obtuse marginal branch (OM1)... access was obtained through the right radial artery, a commonly preferred approach due to its lower bleeding risk and faster post‑procedure recovery... once vascular access was secured, intra‑arterial heparin (7,000 units) was administered to prevent clot formation, and glyceryl trinitrate (100 µg) was given to minimize arterial spasm and improve vessel visualization...

An EBU 3.5 French guide catheter was used to engage the left main coronary artery (LMCA), providing stable support for the intervention... a Runthrough NS coronary guidewire was then advanced across the diseased segments to serve as a rail for device delivery...

for the proximal LAD, the guidewire was positioned distally, and a direct stenting strategy was employed, meaning the stent was deployed without prior balloon predilatation... a SYNERGY drug‑eluting stent (2.5 × 28 mm) was placed across the lesion and expanded up to 16 atmospheres, adequately covering the diseased segment... to ensure optimal stent expansion and apposition against the vessel wall, post‑dilatation was performed using a PANTERA LEO non‑compliant balloon (2.75 × 15 mm) inflated to 20 atmospheres, achieving an effective vessel diameter of approximately 2.83 mm...

attention was then directed to the OM1 branch, where a similar technique was applied... the vessel was wired with a Runthrough guidewire, followed by direct stenting using a BioFreedom drug‑coated stent (2.5 mm diameter) deployed at 12 atmospheres... further optimization was achieved with post‑dilatation using a PANTERA LEO 2.75 × 15 mm balloon inflated to 18 atmospheres, resulting in a final diameter of approximately 2.80 mm...

final angiographic assessment demonstrated excellent results, with good stent expansion, restored coronary blood flow, and no complications such as dissection or vessel perforation... the right radial sheath was subsequently removed, and haemostasis was achieved using a TR Band, concluding a successful and uncomplicated PCI procedure...

the procedure lasted approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes... during the time I was under sedation, I experienced something deeply personal and difficult to explain - I saw my late mother’s face clearly before me... she urged me to recite Surah Al-Fatihah continuously, and before she faded from view, she reminded me never to abandon my prayers... when my name was called, her face disappeared and I regained consciousness... later, the doctor’s assistant who had been nearby told me that my lips had been continuously reciting Surah Al-Fatihah from the moment I was sedated until I woke up... ya Allah, I am profoundly grateful for being granted the chance to be with my late mother again, even if only for a fleeting moment... 

I was placed in the Intensive Care Unit for close monitoring following the procedure, and special permission was granted for Naja, Azim, and Abyana to visit me earlier than usual... as I shared with Naja my experience of seeing my late mother, tears flowed uncontrollably, revealing the depth of my longing and love for her... in that moment, the ICU felt less clinical and more human, filled with emotion, gratitude, and an overwhelming sense of yearning for a mother who remains forever close to my heart...





visiting hours in the ICU are strictly regulated, allowing only brief periods of time with loved ones... my family left at 6:00 pm, and shortly afterward, my dinner was delivered to the unit... that evening’s meal was chicken pandan with Thai sauce, a fragrant and comforting dish that stood out despite the clinical surroundings, and I began eating at 6:30 pm, bringing a quiet sense of normalcy to the end of a long and emotionally demanding day... 


Dr. Liew visited me at 7:30 pm and shared with me the arterial tree before the procedures... he carefully showed me images of my coronary arteries before and after the stent procedure... the results were reassuring, appearing smooth and well-restored, much like the outcome of my previous procedure...


later that evening, at 9:30 pm, after the dressing on my hand was removed, he approved my transfer back to the ward... at last, I returned to my room, ready to rest and recover for the night...

Jan 5, 2026

Ara Damansara Day 1

I met Dr. Liew which he explained and showed me the imaging results of my heart condition taken on 1 December 2025... the discussion helped me better understand my current cardiac status and the reasons for the subsequent treatment plan... this consultation provided important clarity and reassurance before my hospital admission...







I was admitted to the ward after receiving a guarantee letter from Mediexpress, this time using my UNITAR medical insurance... as the single room was fully occupied, I was temporarily placed in a shared room... 


Dr. Liew visited to take a blood sample, and it was confirmed that a procedure involving the insertion of two stents would be carried out the following day... if there is no bleeding, my stay in the ICU will be brief before returning to the ward... the laboratory report issued at 5:45 pm reflects largely stable systemic function with several clinically important abnormalities that warrant attention... biochemical findings show a mildly elevated blood glucose level (6.8) accompanied by marked glycosuria (urine glucose 4+), suggesting impaired glucose regulation or a lowered renal glucose threshold, which is concerning for possible diabetes or stress-related hyperglycaemia... renal indices demonstrate preserved but mildly reduced kidney function (eGFR 78 ml/min/1.73 m²) with normal creatinine, although this must be interpreted cautiously in view of significant hematuria (>100 RBC/µL, ERY 4+) on urinalysis, indicating possible renal or urinary tract pathology rather than infection, as leukocytes are absent... liver enzymes, total protein, albumin, and bilirubin levels are within normal limits, indicating intact hepatic and synthetic function... the lipid profile is generally favourable with low total cholesterol and LDL levels, but reduced HDL cholesterol (0.9) represents an independent cardiovascular risk factor... additionally, elevated uric acid (428 µmol/L) raises concern for hyperuricaemia-related complications, while raised serum calcium (2.9) may reflect metabolic imbalance or dehydration and should be re-evaluated... hematological parameters, including haemoglobin, red cell indices, white cell count, and platelets, are within normal ranges, indicating no active infection, anemia, or bone marrow disorder... thyroid function tests confirm a euthyroid state, and hepatitis B screening is negative for active infection but shows no detectable immunity, suggesting vaccination status may need review... overall, while most parameters are reassuring, the combination of glycosuria, hematuria, hyperuricaemia, hypercalcaemia, and low HDL cholesterol represents key red flags that merit further clinical correlation, repeat testing, and specialist follow-up where appropriate... the blood test results obtained today indicate significant positive improvements when compared with those from the previous month, reflecting a generally better clinical and biochemical status... these changes suggest favourable progress in my overall health and may point to effective medical management, improved physiological recovery, or positive lifestyle and treatment adjustments over time...


insulin from the pharmacy was only received at 7.00 pm, after which I was able to have dinner... Ayam Masak Merah is a classic Malaysian dish known for its rich, mildly spicy tomato‑based sauce and fragrant aroma... cooked with tender chicken and a blend of traditional spices, this dish offers a perfect balance of sweetness and savoury flavours... 

I was later sent for a cardiac ultrasound, a non‑invasive medical imaging test used to assess the structure and function of the heart... it provides real‑time images that help Dr. Liew evaluate heart chambers, valves, blood flow, and overall cardiac performance... this procedure is commonly performed to support diagnosis, monitor heart conditions, and guide treatment decisions in a safe and effective manner to assess my heart condition prior to the angioplasty procedure...


subsequently, I was transferred to a single room, Room 305, where it was finally time to rest...


Jan 3, 2026

IOI City Mall Putrajaya

it is located in IOI Resort City, Putrajaya, with the full address at Lebuh IRC, IOI Resort City, 62502 Putrajaya, Selangor... strategically positioned between Putrajaya and Cyberjaya, the mall is easily accessible from Kuala Lumpur and KLIA via major highways including MEX, SKVE, LDP, SILK, BESRAYA, and the North-South Expressway... the mall operates daily from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm, making it a convenient all‑day destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment... recognized as the largest shopping mall in Malaysia following its Phase 2 expansion in August 2022, it spans over 8 million square feet and houses 700+ retail outlets... developed by IOI Properties Group, the mall functions as a full lifestyle hub rather than just a retail centre, combining shopping with leisure, recreation, family attractions, and large‑scale events... it is also ranked among the largest malls in the world, placing Putrajaya on the global retail map...