Max George's Heart Health Scare Before US Tour
Max George, the 36-year-old singer from The Wanted, has publicly revealed he was rushed to hospital twice in one week after suffering from serious heart arrhythmias. This health crisis occurred just 48 hours before he was scheduled to begin a major American tour with his bandmate, Siva Kaneswaran, 37.
An arrhythmia is defined as an abnormal heart rhythm where the organ beats too quickly, too slowly, or with an irregular pattern. This happens due to disruptions in the heart's electrical signals. For George, this was not his first cardiac issue, coming nearly a year after he first had a pacemaker fitted.
Emergency Scans and a Thumbs-Up for Fans
Facing this medical emergency, George underwent a full MRI scan on his heart. The singer took to Instagram to share a health update with his concerned followers, posting pictures of himself giving a thumbs-up to the camera from the hospital just before the procedure.
In his candid post, he wrote: 'So, THIS happened 2 days before our tour in America…and no, I didn’t go to space.' He explained the situation, stating, 'After being taken into A&E twice in a week due to arrhythmias, I had to have a full heart scan.'
Fortunately, the results brought positive news. George confirmed that the scan showed everything was fine and he was 'given the green light to get back on stage', noting that his treatment just required 'a few tweaks'. He expressed his elation at being able to proceed with the US tour, which included performances in Orlando, Las Vegas, Miami, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Atlantic City.
A History of Cardiac Problems and Past Cancellations
This recent incident is part of an ongoing health journey for the pop star. His heart issues first became public when he was admitted to hospital in December of the previous year and had a pacemaker fitted.
The situation was further complicated when he required a second operation after it was discovered that the pacemaker wires had been inserted too deeply. Speaking to The Sun on Sunday, George admitted he was 'nervous' about the second procedure, as pulling the wires out risked causing bleeding on the heart.
He described worsening symptoms after the initial pacemaker was fitted, saying, 'I was still having a flickering sensation for weeks... and it was gradually getting worse and worse. When my heart rate went up, it was causing a shock in my heart which was making me jump all the time. My chest was shaking.'
These health problems have directly impacted his work. In February, the duo was forced to cancel a gig at Manchester Cathedral during their UK tour as a direct result of George's recovery from his second heart operation. He posted a video online, telling fans he was 'gutted' but was not well enough to perform.
His recovery path faced another hurdle when medics discovered he had developed enlarged lymph nodes on his lungs, requiring a painful lung biopsy. This procedure carried a terrifying risk for a singer: the potential to lose his voice permanently. Thankfully, he was later given the all-clear from this condition as well.
Throughout these ordeals, George has been supported by his girlfriend, former EastEnders actress Maisie Smith, 24, and his mother, Babs. Now, having navigated these serious health challenges, the 'Glad You Came' hitmaker is focused on regaining his fitness, stating the issues had left him the 'least fit I’ve ever been'.
