Shane Warne's Heart Disease Didn't Happen Overnight, It Was Happening For 20-30 Years: Ex-Cricket Australia Doctor Reveals

Well-known Australian doctor revealed that legendary spin bowler Shane Warne had heart problems towards the end of his life. Warne died of a heart attack on March 4 in Thailand at the age of 52.

The former Australian player’s family have revealed that he had been suffering from heart issues and asthma just weeks before his death, and had also completed a 14-day only liquid diet.

Shane Warne’s heart disease didn’t happen overnight in Thailand: Dr Peter Brukner

Dr Peter Brukner, who was previously associated with Cricket Australia as the Australian national team’s doctor, said that Warne didn’t show up with heart disease suddenly and was having the issue for a long time.

“Warnie, if he had heart disease, which sounds like he did, you know, that didn’t happen overnight in Thailand. It’s been happening for 20, 30 years from smoking, poor diet,” Brukner told Triple M Perth.

“The issue with these things is you don’t develop heart disease in a minute. It’s a very gradual process,” he added. 

Although the world-renowned Australian sports medicine clinician was aware of Warne’s situation, he still said the legendary Australian player’s demise was shocking for him.

“Just unbelievable. None of us can really believe it, can we? He was a larger than life character,” Brukner said. 

Shane Warne didn’t look after his body that well: Ian Healy

Former Australia wicketkeeper-batter Ian Healy, who was a teammate with Warne during their playing days, wasn’t surprised by the untimely passing of the spin wizard. The 57-year-old said his former teammate didn’t take enough care of himself.

“An early passing didn’t surprise me for Warnie. He didn’t look after his body that well. He yo-yoed up and down,” Healy told The Today Show.

“He didn’t put much sunscreen on. I thought it would have become skin issues for him over time, but not at 52. And he would have been full of beans right to the end, I bet,” he added. 

Warne’s state memorial service will be celebrated on March 30 with no limitations on crowd numbers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, as confirmed by Victoria’s Premier Daniel Andrews.

Also Read: Shane Warne’s State Memorial Service To Be Held At MCG On March 30