The Wanted heartthrob Max George could spend Christmas in hospital as doctors have spotted some “issues with his heart” – but he’s expressed his gratitude to his family and girlfriend Maisie Smith
Anyone who experiences pain in their chest or upper body and difficulty breathing at the same time should call 999 immediately, British Heart Foundation says.
The symptoms could be signs of a heart murmur, which can be extremely dangerous if left untreated. Abnormal heart murmurs, the rarest kind, could be an indication of problems to the organ.
The warning surfaces after The Wanted lead singer Max George revealed he is in hospital and could remain there over Christmas – due to issues with his heart. The 36-year-old entertainer said he underwent tests in hospital, which flagged concerns, and he may need surgery.
It is unclear what exactly Max has been diagnosed with, if anything, at this stage. Max, who was in the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing in 2020, did state, though, he requires further tests in hospital.
But the British Heart Foundation (BHF) and the NHS list several symptoms of various heart complaints, including murmurs. Some murmurs are harmless but abnormal ones, described by BHF as “extra sounds in your heartbeat caused by a problem” can be dangerous.
The problem – or cause – of the murmur will need treating urgently to prevent complications. If the heart valve isn’t working properly, surgery tends to be the best option – and it may be the valve needs replacing altogether to ensure your quality of life improves.
But it might be you need a particular medicine or must take statins to lower the level of cholesterol in the blood and protect the insides of the artery walls. This helps lower the risk of developing heart and circulatory diseases, including angina, heart attack and stroke. Statins are one of the most prescribed drugs in the UK, with an estimated seven to eight million adults taking them.
Although Max is yet to know – or disclose – his diagnosis, he admitted the situation is a “huge shock” and “a set back”. The star, who has been dating EastEnders actress Maisie Smith for a couple of years, wrote on social media: “I count myself very lucky that this was caught when it was. I’ve probably got a month in a bed and there’s not THAT much to do! Let’s do this!”
Maisie, 23, penned: “Love you Max,” followed by a love heart emoji in a sweet social media message. The comment followed a number of other messages from friends and followers, including Max’s The Wanted 2.0 bandmate Siva Kaneswaran.
