Rory McIlroy reveals heart condition caused by China virus scare
Former world No 1 golfer says he has to ‘stay on top’ of the issue with medical check-ups every six months after 2016 infection
Rory McIlroy said a viral infection he contracted 18 months ago in China has led to damage to his heart.
The four-time major winner revealed the heart “irregularity” in an interview with a British newspaper published on Friday.
Doctors told McIlroy the illness he came down with resulted in the thickening of his left ventricle and he told The Daily Telegraph “there’s a bit of scar tissue”.
“For now, I just need to stay on top of it and have to stay fit,” McIlroy said. “Hey, I was planning on doing that anyway.”
McIlroy, 28, was plagued by rib and back issues in 2017, which led him to shut down his season after the BMW Championship in September.
He is slated to return to competitive golf at next week’s Abu Dhabi Championship, and plans to play eight events before the Masters, his most ambitious schedule ahead of Augusta National in the 10 years he has been eligible.
“The rib’s fine, no problems whatsoever – I had an MRI scan on my thoracic spine and all was OK,” McIlroy said.