Former Top Gear host, 64, says he had stent fitted for blocked artery after ‘sudden deterioration’ in his health

Jeremy Clarkson has revealed he had a heart procedure after waking up feeling “clammy” with a tightness in his chest and pins and needles in left arm.

The 64-year-old former Top Gear host said he was taken to hospital by ambulance before having a stent fitted to open up a blocked artery, which left him thinking: “Crikey, that was close.”

Writing in his Sunday Times column, Clarkson detailed how he experienced a “sudden deterioration” in his health after a holiday on a small island in the Indian Ocean.

During the trip, he described having to “take a moment to make sure my limbs were working properly” before struggling to swim two lengths of a swimming pool.

“I was mostly dead. I’ve never struggled with swimming before, and now, suddenly, I can’t do it any more. Nor could I descend a flight of stairs, not without holding someone’s hand.” he said. “I’m not exaggerating. These problems all manifested themselves in one day.”

The Clarkson’s Farm presenter, who lives in Chipping Norton in Oxfordshire, said his “sudden deterioration began to gather pace” when he returned home.

He said: “I woke on Wednesday morning not feeling too good. I was clammy and there was a tightness in my chest. Naturally, I ignored these things and, after loading 30 pigs into the slaughterhouse school bus, I noticed that I had pins and needles in my left arm.”

Clarkson said he went to the John Radcliffe hospital in Oxford, where an electrocardiogram (ECG), blood tests and X-rays ruled out a heart attack. But he said that after further checks he went to an operating theatre with doctors saying Clarkson was perhaps “days away” from getting very ill.

Clarkson said: “It seems that of the arteries feeding my heart with nourishing blood, one was completely blocked and the second of three was heading that way.”

He said a stent, which can save lives and stop future heart attacks through improving blood flow to the heart, was fitted in about two hours. “It wasn’t especially painful. Just odd.”

He said he was “wondering what water tastes like and if it’s possible to make celery interesting” after the health scare.

Health Concerns and a Stent

Clarkson’s experience highlights the importance of paying attention to any sudden changes in health. His initial symptoms, including clamminess, chest tightness, and pins and needles in his arm, were clear indicators of a potential heart issue. While he initially ignored these signs, the worsening symptoms prompted him to seek medical attention, ultimately leading to the diagnosis of a blocked artery and the placement of a stent. The procedure, while not entirely painless, provided a crucial solution for improving blood flow to his heart, potentially saving his life and preventing future heart attacks.

Clarkson’s Health History and Lifestyle

This isn’t the first health scare for Clarkson. In 2017, he quit smoking after contracting pneumonia while on holiday in Spain. In 2023, he also mentioned that a doctor had noticed a “worrying rise in his blood pressure” possibly due to nicotine gum use. These incidents raise concerns about Clarkson’s overall health and his lifestyle choices. While it’s impossible to definitively link his recent health scare to past habits, it highlights the importance of prioritizing health and engaging in healthier lifestyle choices, such as quitting smoking and managing blood pressure.

A Reflecting Moment

This experience has clearly served as a wake-up call for Clarkson. He’s pondering healthier choices and seeking ways to make changes in his lifestyle, including exploring the possibilities of a less meat-heavy diet and embracing the simple pleasures of water. His journey serves as a reminder for everyone to prioritize health and be proactive about early detection and prevention. Even those who may appear robust and active can face unexpected health challenges, making it crucial to be mindful of potential symptoms and seeking medical attention promptly.

Keeping Up with Clarkson

Despite his recent health scare, Clarkson continues to be active in his various projects. He remains involved in ‘Clarkson’s Farm,’ showcasing his adventures in running an Oxfordshire farm. He also continues his role as host of ‘Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?’ on ITV. Additionally, he recently opened a pub, ‘The Farmer’s Dog,’ in Asthall, near Burford, Oxfordshire. Despite these ongoing ventures, Clarkson’s recent experience has undoubtedly altered his perspective, prompting a reevaluation of his lifestyle and a renewed focus on health and well-being. The experience serves as a reminder that life is precious and that prioritizing our health is paramount.