When seconds count, knowing what to do can mean the difference between life and death. At Fakeeh University Hospital, our emergency team, critical care specialists, and advanced technology come together every day to give patients another chance.
This is the story of Hatim, who survived sudden cardiac arrest thanks to fast-thinking friends, skilled paramedics, and dedicated doctors and nurses.
The day started like any other until Hatim suddenly collapsed at home.
"The problem started when I suddenly fell to the ground. I had no breathing, nothing at all. That’s the last thing I remember," he shared.
Hatim’s best friend was with him at that critical moment. He recognized that Hatim was not breathing and immediately began chest compressions and CPR. While continuing CPR, he called emergency services, who arrived quickly to take over lifesaving measures.
During transport, Hatim’s heart stopped for an estimated 40 to 45 minutes.
"They told me that in the ambulance, they had to stop several times along the road to deliver electric shocks to try to bring me back. They kept doing this so they could bring me here alive," he explained.
Those shocks, combined with ongoing resuscitation, kept hope alive until he arrived at Fakeeh University Hospital’s Emergency Department.
Upon arrival, the hospital’s emergency team activated a coordinated response to stabilize Hatim and start advanced interventions.
"The hospital is very strong. They had all the necessary emergency measures ready. Thanks to God and the advanced equipment here, they were able to save me," Hatim said.
He was then moved to the catheterization lab, where Dr. Alaeldin Eltom, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist, led his care. He later continued recovery in the Intensive Care Unit under close observation.
Hatim described the compassionate care he received even in the middle of the night.
"Twenty-four hours a day, someone was always with me. If I woke up at four in the morning, there was someone sitting by the computer, watching over me. The moment I raised my hand or opened my eyes, they were there."
This vigilance and kindness made a difficult experience feel safer and less frightening.
While treating Hatim’s cardiac arrest, the team also discovered underlying health issues he did not know about.
"Part of his lab work showed that his cholesterol was extremely high, and he was prediabetic. These were two things he had no idea about. That is probably the reason he ended up with a heart attack," Dr. Alaeldin Eltom shared.
The message is clear: knowing your numbers can save your life.
Heart disease does not always show symptoms before an emergency. This is why regular check-ups are critical.
"Once you reach 40, you should sit down with your physician at least once a year, have a physical examination, get an ECG, and have your labs done. Know your numbers. Know your cholesterol. Know your blood pressure. Know your blood sugar," Dr. Alaeldin Eltom emphasized.
These simple steps can prevent tragedies and protect your heart health for years to come.
Hatim is now recovering and grateful for a second chance.
"I am very thankful to everyone who helped me survive. The care I received in the emergency room, the cath lab, and the ICU was exceptional," he said.
His care team shared the same gratitude.
"We are all very excited for Hatim to get this second chance in life. He is very grateful. We are very grateful."
If you are over 40 or have risk factors such as high cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of heart disease, do not wait.
Call us today to schedule your heart health assessment.
Call us today: +971 4 414 4444
Book online: www.fuh.care
📍 Learn more about our Interventional Cardiology services at: https://www.fuh.care/specialties/heart-cardiology-and-vascular-system
