Rory McIlroy reveals heart ‘irregularity’
January 14, 2018
Rory McIlroy has revealed that recent tests having shown an ‘irregularity’ with his heart, though he is confident it is not something he has to worry about.
The 28-year-old says the issue is likely to have stemmed from a severe viral infection that he picked up in 2016.
Staying fit and healthy, something he has become known for on Tour, will ensure he doesn’t have anything to worry about says the four-time Major winner.
“I’ve got a bit of an irregularity with my heart that I have to keep on top of,” he told The Telegraph.
“I have a flat T-wave and I’ll have to get an echo [cardiogram] on my heart every six months and an MRI scan every year.
“I suffered a really bad viral infection in China 18 months ago and they told me that’s the reason that I have this thickening of my left ventricle and there’s a bit of scar tissue.
“For now, I just need to stay on top of it and have to stay fit. Hey, I was planning on doing that anyway.”
McIlroy is preparing for his 2018 seasonal bow in Abu Dhabi this week and he is confident that the injury problems of last year are now behind him.
A troublesome rib was a contributing factor in the Northern Irishman’s frustrating year, as he failed to win a tournament in a calendar year for the first time since 2013.
“The rib’s fine, no problems whatsoever – I had an MRI scan on my thoracic spine and all was okay,” he said.
McIlroy will be hoping for a strong season ahead of the Ryder Cup in France in September.
Europe are 2.30 underdogs to reclaim the cup, with the United States 1.80 and the draw 12.00.
