85-year-old Indonesian patient receives a pacemaker in Xiamen

An 85-year-old Indonesian woman of Chinese heritage underwent coronary angiography and pacemaker implantation at Xiamen Cardiovascular Hospital, affiliated with Xiamen University. Ms Chen arrived on March 7, 2025, and was discharged on March 13 after recovering well, according to the hospital’s March 14 report.

Fainting prompted another cardiac assessment

Chen had a long history of heart disease. After narrowing recurred following a stent procedure, she had undergone coronary intervention approximately a year earlier.

More recently, she fainted. A hospital in Indonesia diagnosed sick sinus syndrome and recommended a pacemaker. Chen recalled being admitted to intensive care and said that her heart had paused intermittently, with the longest pause lasting nine seconds.

She considered seeking treatment abroad. In describing that decision, she spoke about concerns over costs and appointment waiting times at other regional destinations. She ultimately chose the Xiamen hospital, where she already had a medical contact.

A contact made before the need for treatment

During a hospital visit to Indonesia in August 2024, the Xiamen team held cardiovascular health activities alongside meetings with local partners. Chen attended an event, learned about the hospital and exchanged contact details with its doctors.

Those details later gave her a connection to the institution when she needed further care. She booked a flight and travelled alone for approximately five and a half hours, reaching Xiamen on the evening of March 7 and entering the hospital.

Coronary examination and pacemaker implantation

On March 10, cardiologist Li Linlin led the team in performing coronary angiography and implanting a cardiac pacemaker. The hospital described a good postoperative recovery. Chen completed discharge on March 13, less than a week after arriving.

The hospital had established its international medical centre in June 2024.