Max George of The Wanted Undergoes Pacemaker Implantation

Max George, a member of the boy band The Wanted, has disclosed that he has received a pacemaker implant, days after indicating the necessity of surgery for a heart condition. He shared a photograph on Instagram of his scar, which showed the placement of the small, battery-powered device designed to regulate heartbeats. George stated that the surgeon positioned the pacemaker directly beneath a “special tattoo” that reads 04/08/1988, a date commemorating the birthday of his late bandmate, Tom Parker. Previously, the 36-year-old had reported a diagnosis of “a 2:1 block in my heart,” a condition where the heart beats either more slowly or with an abnormal rhythm due to issues with electrical pulses. Ten days prior, George, who hails from Manchester, revealed he had been admitted to the hospital after feeling unwell, at which point his heart-related issues were identified. On Saturday, George referred to his new pacemaker as his “little friend” and characterized it as “the best Christmas present I could’ve ever wished for.” The singer mentioned that the operation lasted approximately two and a half hours. He commented, “The main issue being some of my veins had collapsed where the wires were meant to go… But the surgeons and nurses at the NHS have been incredible. I owe everything to them.” He added that the pacemaker’s placement beneath his tattoo tribute to Tom Parker made him “sure it’s being looked after.” George indicated he was undergoing further tests due to inflamed lymph nodes on his lungs but had expressed optimism about being home for Christmas. He continued: “Time to rest and then tackle life full on once again.” He also stated, “Thank you for all your support. It’s meant a hell of a lot to myself and my family.” The British Heart Foundation defines an atrioventricular heart block as a condition where electrical impulses are delayed or obstructed as they travel between the atria (the heart’s upper chambers) and the ventricles (the heart’s lower chambers). Heart blocks are classified into first, second, or third degrees, depending on their severity. George achieved prominence in the early 2010s, alongside bandmates Siva Kaneswaran, Nathan Sykes, Jay McGuiness, and Tom Parker. The Wanted announced a hiatus in 2014, and in 2022, George and Kaneswaran relaunched as a duo. George also participated in Strictly Come Dancing in 2020, where he first met his partner, actress Maisie Smith. His bandmate Parker passed away from brain cancer at the age of 33 in March 2022. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding their approach to external linking is available.