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Rory McIlroy’s Hidden Health Battle: Living with Myocarditis Since Age 20
Rory McIlroy, one of the most celebrated figures in the world of golf, especially following his historic victory at the 2025 Masters in Augusta, has been quietly dealing with a serious health condition for over a decade. The 35-year-old golfer from Holywood, Northern Ireland, has revealed that he has been living with myocarditis since the age of 20—a condition that can become life-threatening if not properly monitored.
In a 2018 interview, McIlroy opened up about a frightening heart episode that followed a severe viral infection he contracted in China about 18 months earlier. Speaking to The Telegraph, he explained:
> “I’ve got a bit of an irregularity with my heart that I have to keep on top of. I have a flat T-wave and I’ll have to get an electrocardiogram (ECG) on my heart every six months and an MRI scan every year. I suffered a really bad viral infection in China 18 months ago, and they told me that’s the reason I have this thickening of my left ventricle and a bit of scar tissue. For now, I just need to stay on top of it and stay fit. Hey, I was planning on doing that anyway.”
Myocarditis is a condition typically triggered by a viral infection. The body’s immune system can overreact to the virus, causing inflammation in the heart muscle. Even after the infection subsides, the inflammation may remain. While some people with myocarditis experience no symptoms, others may suffer from chest pain, heart palpitations, or shortness of breath. In severe cases, it can lead to scarring of the heart muscle, affecting its electrical signals and ability to pump blood—raising the risk of heart attacks or strokes.
Speaking on the WHOOP podcast earlier this year, McIlroy offered more insight into how he manages his condition.
> “I’ve had myocarditis since I was 20 years old. I wear WHOOP to track my heart rate variability and heart rate, and I’m always looking for ways to stay on top of things. With myocarditis, if you’re not properly hydrated or don’t get enough magnesium, your heart can experience arrhythmias, which can be concerning. Having this kind of monitoring gives me huge peace of mind.”
Despite the challenges, McIlroy continues to perform at the highest level, carefully balancing his passion for golf with vigilant health management. His story is a reminder that even elite athletes can face serious health hurdles behind the scenes—and the importance of regular monitoring and awareness when it comes to heart conditions like myocarditis.