Medical reports of August 1 and 10 regarding the health of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan have been submitted to the Supreme Court. The reports include details about blood pressure, heart examination, anxiety and mental stress.
According to the latest report, on August 1, consultant cardiologist Dr Akhtar Ali Bandisha examined Imran Khan in Adiala Jail. During this time, he complained of fluctuations in blood pressure, headache and anxiety.
During the examination, Imran Khan’s blood pressure was recorded at 140/100. Pulse was 50 beats per minute. There were no significant abnormalities in the ECG.
The medical opinion of August 1 also took into account age and mental stress. The report suggested changing or increasing blood pressure medication.
The initial examination also recommended considering CT coronary angiography. However, in a re-examination a few days later, the medical board did not consider further cardiac testing necessary.
On August 10, a four-member medical board re-evaluated Imran Khan. On that day, blood pressure was recorded at 140/80 and pulse at 54 beats per minute.
According to the board, Imran Khan did not complain of chest pain, heaviness in the chest or shortness of breath. There were also no symptoms related to the heartbeat that were a cause for immediate concern.
The ECG was normal in the latest examination. Echocardiography also found the heart chambers and valves to be normal.
The report also focused on mental status. The medical board recommended daily walks and mental relaxation activities to reduce anxiety.
The board also recommended access to newspapers, books and TV. More meetings with family were considered helpful in reducing mental stress and anxiety.
These recommendations are important because the report has made mental stress a part of the medical condition along with physical examination. However, these recommendations should be seen as the opinion of the medical board rather than a political stance.
Meanwhile, the PTI has expressed reservations on some points of the report. Party leader Sheikh Waqas Akram has demanded further medical examination and the involvement of Imran Khan’s personal doctors.
PTI is of the view that the cardiac test recommended for August 1 should not be delayed. The party has also demanded transparent medical examination and access to reports by the family and legal team.
On the other hand, the results of the medical board on August 10 did not report any immediate serious heart symptoms. On this basis, the board did not deem further cardiac tests necessary.
Imran Khan’s health has been a subject of court proceedings earlier this year. In March, the Islamabad High Court had directed the formation of a medical board to review his medical condition.
Two aspects are therefore prominent in the latest report. On the one hand, complaints of blood pressure, headache and anxiety were reported on August 1. On the other hand, basic heart tests remained normal in the examination on August 10.
The final medical diagnosis will depend on continuous monitoring and the opinion of relevant experts. The currently available report includes daily walks, mental peace and contact with family as key recommendations.
