Country music star Michael English has publicly disclosed that he was rushed to hospital after suffering a heart attack last week. The 46-year-old singer, renowned for his energetic performances, experienced the medical emergency while travelling to a gig in Waterford.
A Sudden Health Scare
Michael English described the incident as a profound shock, stating he never anticipated such an event given his generally good physical condition. "It was a shock - at 46, I didn't think it would happen to me," he explained. The singer noted he had been feeling unwell for several days prior, experiencing unusual fatigue and weakness.
The Journey to Waterford
During the car journey to his performance, English asked his manager, Bryan, to take over driving after they stopped for fuel. Approximately twenty minutes from Waterford, the singer lost consciousness in the passenger seat. "Bryan didn't know what was happening and I can only imagine how scary it was for him. But he got me to the hospital as quick as he could," English recounted.
Medical Treatment and Recovery
Michael English received urgent care at University Hospital Waterford and later at the Hermitage Clinic in Dublin. Fortunately, he did not require surgical intervention and has since been medically cleared to resume work. "Thankfully I didn't need surgery," he confirmed. "I'm on some medication and will be having more cardiac tests when my heart gets a chance to recover, but I feel great now, it's as if nothing had happened."
Reflecting on Lifestyle and Health
The experience has prompted serious reflection for the musician, often described as 'the busiest act in country'. English, a non-smoker and moderate drinker who maintains good physical shape, acknowledged his demanding schedule may have contributed. "I'm known in the business for working a lot. I'm often described as 'the busiest act in country' so I probably need to address that," he admitted.
A New Focus on Wellbeing
Moving forward, Michael English has decided to dedicate more time to his health during periods of downtime. He emphasised the importance of regular medical check-ups, particularly for men. "You have one body and one heart and you should look after your health and get regular check-ups. Men, in particular, are not good at that. But it could save your life," he urged.
The singer's experience serves as a stark reminder that heart health concerns can affect individuals regardless of age or apparent fitness, highlighting the critical need for proactive healthcare management.
