# Darts star's heart scare led to major lifestyle change

> Cameron Menzies feared a heart attack on a flight, then collapsed at World Matchplay. Now he's winning tournaments and taking his health seriously.
- Title: Darts star's heart scare led to major lifestyle change
- Summary: Cameron Menzies feared a heart attack on a flight, then collapsed at World Matchplay. Now he's winning tournaments and taking his health seriously. A health…
- Keywords: breaking, cameron menzies, darts, pdc, players championship, health scare, heart attack fear, dehydration, world matchplay, scotland, professional darts, sports
- Source: Sky Sports — https://skysports.com/darts/news/12040/13590775/players-championship-darts-winner-cameron-menzies-reveals-he-thought-he-was-suffering-from-a-heart-attack-during-trip-to-switzerland-last-year
- Published: 2026-09-22T19:08:00+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: breaking, cameron menzies, darts, pdc, players championship, health scare, heart attack fear, dehydration, world matchplay, scotland, professional darts, sports
## Menzies wins Players Championship 29
The Scottish darts player defeated Gian van Veen 8-4 in the final at Den Bosch to claim his second ProTour title of 2026 and fourth PDC ranking title overall.
## Flight to Switzerland triggered panic
Last year, Menzies thought he was having a heart attack while flying to Switzerland. Heart problems run in his family, so he went for scans after landing.

> I genuinely thought I was having a heart attack on the plane
## Doctors told him to lose weight
Medical scans revealed no serious heart issues, but doctors advised Menzies he needed to lose weight. He has visibly shed pounds since that incident.
## World Matchplay collapse was dehydration
Menzies withdrew from the World Matchplay during his second-round match against Ross Smith after becoming unwell. Tests later showed dehydration caused high blood pressure.
## Ten hours in hospital for tests
The 37-year-old spent ten hours at Glasgow Jubilee Hospital undergoing blood tests to check for serious issues including heart problems. Everything came back fine except slightly high blood pressure.
## Water and electrolytes now essential
Menzies now prioritizes hydration with water and electrolytes during tournament days. He acknowledges darts players face long hours and must look after themselves better.

> I'll go and have some water and electrolytes after this
## Changing diet and lifestyle habits
Menzies admitted he used to grab pizza but is now trying to eat better, starting with porridge for breakfast. He notes younger players are fitter athletes coming through youth systems.

> My breakfast today was porridge, so I've not eaten all day. I would usually go and get a pizza
## Darts evolving with athletic standards
Modern darts attracts young athletes from youth systems who are fit and disciplined. The sport has improved significantly from the club and pub era when Menzies grew up playing.

> Darts is probably better than it's ever been because all these young kids are coming through and they're all fit athletes
## Menzies targets World Darts Championship
The Scot qualified for the World Darts Championship and possibly the Grand Slam. He wants to finish 2026 on a high after his recent Players Championship victory.

> I'm in a very fortunate position
## Key takeaway

A health crisis forced Cameron Menzies to confront his lifestyle, and he's now managing dehydration and blood pressure while competing at his best.