Max George, member of the British boy band The Wanted, recently revealed a serious health scare that led to him receiving a life-saving pacemaker. The 36-year-old singer, who recently formed The Wanted 2.0 with bandmate Siva Kaneswaran, shared his experience in a candid interview with The Sun.
George described waking up in his mother’s home on December 11th feeling unwell, with blue hands and a freezing body. He had been experiencing lethargy and difficulty getting out of bed for a few days following a tour, but dismissed it as nothing serious. His mother, recognizing the severity of his condition, insisted on calling a doctor. After an initial checkup, a friend and doctor advised George to seek further medical attention.
“At this point I had a panicky feeling,” George recounted. He described feeling like his throat was closing up and struggling to breathe. He credits his mother with saving his life by urging him to seek help. Doctors discovered an issue with the electrical signals in his heart, preventing the bottom chambers from properly pumping blood. He was diagnosed with a serious heart condition and told he needed a pacemaker.
“I was in complete shock,” George admitted. The diagnosis was a frightening experience for the 36-year-old, who faced the possibility of only having weeks or months to live. His heart rate plummeted to a dangerous 26 beats per minute, significantly lower than the normal range of 60 to 100. He described December 13th as the “worst day,” with his heart rate and blood pressure dropping simultaneously.
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Following a CT scan on December 15th, George underwent a three-hour pacemaker surgery three days later. He described the procedure as “grim,” being conscious but heavily sedated. His partner, Maisie Smith, was by his side as he regained awareness. He vividly recalled the sensation of his heart beating properly again and the feeling of “being alive.”
“I could feel butterflies again next to her,” he shared, describing the comfort of Smith’s presence.
George first announced his pacemaker surgery on Instagram on December 21st, referring to it as the “best Christmas present.” He had previously informed fans of his hospitalization due to feeling “really unwell.” The pacemaker was placed under a tattoo commemorating his late bandmate, Tom Parker’s, birthday. George expressed confidence in his recovery, mentioning further tests for inflamed lymph nodes in his lungs but remaining optimistic about tackling life “full on once again.”
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This health scare has underscored the fragility of life and the importance of seeking medical attention when needed. George’s story serves as a reminder to listen to your body and trust your instincts when something feels wrong. He is now recovering and looking forward to a healthier future.
