Los Angeles Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh announced Tuesday that he successfully underwent cardiac ablation and hip replacement surgery during the offseason. The 61-year-old coach received medical clearance from doctors following the procedures.
Harbaugh experienced an atrial flutter episode during Week 6 against Denver last season. The heart arrhythmia caused an abnormally high heart rate, forcing him to receive paramedic treatment in the locker room before returning to coach.
Third Cardiac Episode Prompts Surgery
The Broncos game marked Harbaugh\'s third atrial flutter episode. His previous occurrence happened in 2012 while coaching San Francisco against Chicago on Monday Night Football. He wore a heart monitor for two weeks following last season\'s incident.
The hip replacement addressed a significant limp that had affected Harbaugh\'s mobility. The surgery appears to have improved his condition based on recent observations.
\"The doctors can\'t find anything wrong with me. A-grade,\" Harbaugh said.
Harbaugh previously dismissed retirement concerns related to his health issues. He demonstrated his commitment to coaching by returning to the sideline during the first quarter of the Denver game after receiving treatment.
\"It would take my heart stopping for me not to be out there on the sideline,\" Harbaugh said in October.
Via Kris Rhim/ESPN