Ricky Tomlinson health: ‘Without the NHS, I’d be dead’- Actor on near-fatal condition

Ricky Tomlinson criticises Boris Johnson in speech

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The actor has lived in Liverpool nearly his whole life, but perhaps one of his most iconic roles, patriarch Jim Royle in the BBC’s The Royle Family, focused on the trials and tribulations of a television obsessed Mancunian family. The show ran from 1998 to 2000, with special episodes broadcast in both 2006 and 2012. It was a year after this in 2013 that Ricky underwent huge heart surgery after having a quadruple bypass.

The diagnosis came as a shock to the star, despite his admittance of an unhealthy lifestyle. In the past, the actor has admitted he has plenty in common with slovenly on-screen character Jim.

“I only went to see the GP for a skin condition,” Ricky confessed at the time.

“My wife Rita told the doctor I had been a bit short of breath but I would not have mentioned it if she had not been there.

“I was sent to hospital for a scan and saw a wonderful cardiologist, who told me I had blocked arteries.”

Remarkably, Ricky’s troubles did not stop there. While doctors performed a routine angioplasty to unblock the star’s arteries, the procedure was suddenly halted as they came across a complication.

“I thought they had carried out the procedure because I was in the operating theatre for quite some time, about an hour. But apparently they came across a problem in my main artery so I didn’t have the complete operation,” he explained.

“They said they had come across a difficulty and it would be in my interests to have open heart surgery.”

In fact, what doctors at Liverpool’s Cardiothoracic Centre had found were further blockages, meaning he was in need of a quadruple bypass.

Verywell health explains that quadruple heart bypass surgery is done to improve blood flow to the heart muscle. It is typically needed when four of the heart’s blood vessels have become clogged and less invasive procedures will not work to improve their condition.

In order to carry out the risky procedure, the chest is cut open and the individual is put on a machine which does the work of the heart and lungs during the surgery.

Coronary arteries can become blocked when plaque builds up inside blood vessels. This is known as coronary artery disease. This dangerous condition is stereotypically known to cause chest pain, shortness of breath and/or a heart attack. The more arteries are blocked, the more dangerous it becomes for the individual.

Individuals will usually experience chest pain after physical exertion as the demand for oxygen in the heart becomes greater. The narrowed vessels are not able to meet the increase in the heart’s needs and hence chest pain occurs.

In some cases, plaque that is blocking arteries can rupture and form a clot that blocks blood flow. This rupturing can spill cholesterol and other substances into the bloodstream, causing a heart attack, which can be fatal.

Heart attacks strike suddenly, so it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms, although do note that not all individuals suffer from the same symptoms, or experience any symptoms at all.

Typical symptoms include:

• Pressure, tightness, pain, or a squeezing or aching sensation in your chest or arms that may spread to your neck, jaw or back
• Nausea, indigestion, heartburn or abdominal pain
• Shortness of breath
• Cold sweat
• Fatigue
• Lightheadedness or sudden dizziness.

Before his surgery Ricky admitted that he was “concerned”, but knew that it was necessary in order to potentially save his life.

Talking to the Liverpool Echo, he said: “I was obviously concerned beforehand. But I knew I had to have it done and was in the best possible hands.” The actor then went on to thank not only his “wonderful” surgeon, but the whole host of celebrity friends that wished him well.

Last year, when the coronavirus pandemic hit, the star spoke out about his surgery again, this time talking about the extra precautions he is taking to stay safe. Acknowledging that he is in the “high risk” group, the star again praised the NHS for saving his life.

“Without the NHS, I’d be dead. I’ve had open heart surger. I’ve had asthma all my life. I’ve had both my eyes operated on and cataracts removed.

“I owe them my life. But I’m on medication and that makes me very susceptible. But I’m a very lucky man.”

The Mayo Clinic explains that the best ways that individuals can prevent developing coronary heart disease and keep arteries strong and clear of plaque include the following:

• Quit smoking.
• Control conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
• Stay physically active.
• Eat a low-fat, low-salt diet that’s rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Reduce and manage stress.

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