McCartney Denies Heart Surgery Rumor; Feels Great

[BBC - January 30, 2008] - Sir Paul McCartney has denied reports he had heart surgery and said he passed a recent medical with "flying colours".

He said on his website that reports he had undergone an operation were "completely distorted and untrue".

Sir Paul, 65, explained: "There was a minor irregularity which I needed to have tests for and which I have now been assured is completely fine."

Saying he wanted to set the record straight, he joked: "I have secretly been enjoying all the sympathy."

Reports he had undergone surgery were published earlier this month in several newspapers. But Sir Paul said the tests took place over a year ago.

"The media have only just recently reported an exaggerated version of this and that is why people have been asking me if I am OK," he said.

The former Beatle, who is in the middle of divorcing his estranged wife Heather Mills, insisted he has been given a clean bill of health and is "feeling great".

He added: "I would like to thank all of you and my friends and relatives for your concern and I'm very happy to put your minds at rest."

Sir Paul is to receive a special prize for outstanding contribution to music at next month's Brit Awards. He is also planning to stage the first major UK exhibition of photographs by his late wife Linda.

McCartney's Secret Heart Surgery

From Fox News:

Paul McCartney has had a secret heart operation, it was revealed Tuesday night. Happy friggin' New Year...

The 65-year-old megastar underwent coronary angioplasty — a procedure that opens up arteries and allows a greater flow of blood.

A source said: "Paul had been complaining about not feeling well and saw a Harley Street specialist at The London Clinic.

"Tests were carried out and the decision was taken to operate. Paul had the angioplasty in a private hospital. It was all very routine but any work on your heart is a big deal."

Ex-Beatle Macca made a good recovery — and looked on fine form as he joined Kylie Minogue to perform his hit Dance Tonight during Jools Holland's BBC2 New Year special.

A friend of the legend said: "Luckily Paul is in very good shape. He does regular exercise and is fit.

"He eats well and does not carry any excess weight. He has always been in exceptional health, which is remarkable when you think of the rock 'n' roll lifestyle he once had."

Surgeons perform coronary angioplasty by passing a fine tube in through the groin and up to the aorta.

A small balloon at the tip of the tube is inflated at the narrowest part of an artery to squash fatty deposits clogging it and allow blood to flow freely again.

A stent — a short wire-mesh tube — is usually left in to prop open that segment of artery.

Soccer ace DavidBeckham's dad Ted, 59, had the op after he collapsed at home with a heart attack.

Sir Paul and bitter wife Heather, 39, have still not reached a financial settlement over the collapse of their four-year marriage.

A five-day High Court hearing next month will try to decide how much she should receive from Macca's £800 million fortune. The couple must also work out details for custody of their 4-year-old daughter Beatrice.

Heather was dumped by celebrity lawyers Mishcon de Reya after TV rants about her marriage. She faces a demand for 4 million dollars in legal fees.

Tuesday night, Macca's spokesman said of the hush-hush angioplasty performed in the autumn: "It was a routine medical operation."

Sun GP Dr. Carol Cooper said: "About 40,000 angioplasty ops are done each year in the UK because it's a very good way of treating severe angina symptoms and the success rate is at least 90 percent."