Penny Lancaster has revealed that doctors recently found that Sir Rod Stewart had been suffering from an "underlying heart issue" amid his health woes. The 81-year-old rock star had to stop a concert mid-show in the US over the summer, where he was seen taking oxygen. Now, Lancaster, 55, who married Rod in 2007, has shared a fresh update on his health.
Discovery of the underlying issue
Speaking on Vanessa Feltz's YouTube series At Home With Vanessa, Lancaster said: "He'd gone through a couple of incidents where he had an upper respiratory infection and then he was at a concert where there was a very high altitude so it would affect anybody but what we didn't know was there was an underlying heart issue." She added: "I mean he's like one of the fittest guys I know. Forget being fit for 80 odd, he's fit for someone my age in their fifties you get young kids collapsing with heart issues unknown to them. Fortunately, it was at the right time in the right place and they detected a slight blockage which needed a stent which according to a lot of research, it appears that most people over the age of 65 will often need and require a stent."
Lancaster also noted: "As one gets older, most likely over the age of 65, 75, to get heart disease or to get prostate cancer. And my husband's had both. But when people say they die of natural causes that's what they mean. They die of heart disease or cancer because that's naturally...we're living longer. We're going to die of something."
Recovery and return to stage
Lancaster explained that the issue was found in time and Rod is now "eager to get back" on stage. She noted that, despite his age, Rod still has a high-energy performance standard and likened his preparation routine to that of a boxer, explaining that he often spends hours exercising before a show. Doctors advised her husband to take up to a month away from touring, but she has found that he is "already back in the gym," and she and his team are making sure that he doesn't overdo things.
In August, it was confirmed that Rod underwent "a routine coronary stent procedure." His representatives said doctors are pleased with his recovery but all of his tour dates had to be pulled. Sharing the news on his Instagram account, the statement read: "Following further medical evaluation, Sir Rod Stewart has successfully undergone a routine coronary stent procedure. Doctors are pleased with his recovery, and Rod is doing very well and has returned to his normal daily activities. On the advice of his doctors, he will take the next four weeks to recuperate and regain full fitness before returning to the stage. Unfortunately, this means he will be unable to continue his current tour dates. Information regarding affected performances will be communicated by the respective promoters and venues."
A comment by the Maggie May singer said: "I'm already feeling better and very much on the mend. I want to thank the doctors, nurses and everyone who has taken such wonderful care of me. I'm deeply disappointed to miss these shows and sorry to let my fans down, but I look forward to getting back on stage and having a good time with you all again soon. Rod."
