Arizona Cardinals defensive end J.J. Watt recently revealed he had his heart shocked back into rhythm after he went into A-Fib.
Watt wrote on Twitter, “I was just told somebody leaked some personal information about me and it’s going to be reported on today.”
He added, “I went into A-Fib on Wednesday, had my heart shocked back into rhythm on Thursday and I’m playing today. That’s it.”
RELATED: WATCH: LA Rams’ Takkarist McKinley And Bobby Wagner Decimate Protestor During Monday Night Football
A-Fib is short for atrial fibrillation. According to the Mayo Clinic “atrial fibrillation (A-fib) is an irregular and often very rapid heart rhythm (arrhythmia) that can lead to blood clots in the heart. A-fib increases the risk of stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications.”
They further explain, “During atrial fibrillation, the heart’s upper chambers (the atria) beat chaotically and irregularly — out of sync with the lower chambers (the ventricles) of the heart. For many people, A-fib may have no symptoms. However, A-fib may cause a fast, pounding heartbeat (palpitations), shortness of breath or weakness.”
As for how it’s treated, the Mayo Clinic notes, “Treatment for atrial fibrillation may include medications, therapy to reset the heart rhythm and catheter procedures to block faulty heart signals.”
Watt did indeed play for the Cardinals on Sunday and helped lead the team to a 26-16 win against the Carolina Panthers. He had three tackles, one solo and two assists.
He also had two pass deflections with one of them leading to a an interception by the Cardinals’ linebacker Dennis Gardeck.
JJ WITH THE DEFLECTION GARDECK WITH THE PICK!!!!! pic.twitter.com/x15iiHO1vN
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) October 2, 2022
RELATED: Miami Dolphins Head Coach Mike McDaniel Provides Injury Update On QB Tua Tagovailoa
Following the game, Watt provided a further update on his heart saying, “I talked to cardiologists, electrophysiologists all over the country. I was assured multiple times by multiple people that there’s else you could do. I’m gonna go back and play like normal. So it could happen again the next day. It could happen never again in 20 years.”
He reiterated, “So I was assured multiple times so I went back to practice Friday, practiced, and here we are.”
Watt continued, “Obviously, it’s been a very emotional week for my family, for my wife, for myself, but very happy to get a win today. I’ve learned — obviously I’ve had a lot of emotions — but I’ve learned to appreciate the little things even more. It’s nice to have a win today.”
During the press conference, Watt broke down in tears when he began discussing his unborn child and how he was seeing happy ultrasounds of the baby and then he was seeing ultrasounds of his heart.
“It was very tough. It’s been a week. It’s been a week, but happy to be here. Happy to…,” Watt said before he teared up.
After confirming he thought about not playing Watt said, “It’s been tough, you know. It was just weird. It’s just weird. I have a baby on the way.”
RELATED: LeSean McCoy Blasts Arizona Cardinals QB Kyler Murray: “He’s Trash”
Addressing the health leak, Watt said, “It just frustrated me when I got the call saying that somebody was going to report it. Like I said the only people that knew are people I should trust.”
He added, “Injuries? I don’t care. If you leak injuries, whatever, that’s football. This one was very emotional for me so it upset me.”
Watt also detailed that he was scared when he was put under anesthesia,” I’ve never dealt with anything like it. I mean I’ve had, obviously, surgeries before. I’ve had injuries before and I’ve never been nervous for any of them. I’ve never been scared of anesthesia, I’ve never been scared of surgery, I’ve never been scared of pain, but when they told me they were going to put me out and shock my heart, I was scared.”
“But I’m glad it all worked out. I’m glad I had good people taking care of me and I’m glad I’m here today,” he said.
The Cardinals are 2-2. They play the undefeated Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday at 4:25 PM ET.
