Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) has clarified details surrounding a man who suffered a heart attack during the opposition rally in Malé on 3 October. 

The hospital explained that heart attacks are usually caused by blockages in the heart’s blood vessels linked to existing health conditions, not by external causes such as pepper spray.

While exposure to pepper spray can cause shortness of breath, coughing and stress-related reactions, it does not directly induce cardiac arrest. However, individuals with underlying health issues may still face heightened risk of a heart attack when subjected to physical or emotional strain.

IGMH clarified that the patient’s heart attack might be linked to underlying health conditions, not necessarily to external causes, and confirmed he is under treatment at the CCU.