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Not everyone can turn an atrial flutter into an opportunity to brag about their heart, but Jim Harbaugh is a very unique person.
The Los Angeles Chargers head coach told reporters his cardiologist told him he has “the heart of an athlete” during an appointment on Wednesday.
“He said stress test was really good, too. I think he used the word ‘incredible’, I think he did,” Harbaugh added. “That my stamina was incredible and heart got stronger as it was more stressed. Back in rhythm, hopefully that sticks. Got the monitor on. Good news, I took that as a compliment. Blue twisted steel. Feel good about that.”
Harbaugh left the sideline during the first quarter of Sunday’s win over the Denver Broncos. He returned a short time later and said at his postgame press conference he had an “atrial flutter” that previously affected him during a Monday night game when he coached the San Francisco 49ers in 2012.
Harbaugh said on Monday he would be wearing a heart monitor for the next two weeks, along with taking a blood thinner and another medication that will prevent his heart rate from spiking.
There’s no indication at this point that Harbaugh will need any sort of procedure right now, but he explained he could require one in the future. The 60-year-old previously had an ablation procedure in 1999 and 2012.
Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter filled in as head coach against the Broncos while Harbaugh was in the locker room.
Harbaugh made his way back to the field to see the Chargers earn a 23-16 victory that improved their record to 3-2. They will play the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium in Week 7 on Monday Night Football.
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