Texans' Arian Foster has no plans for offseason heart procedure
Houston Texans running back Arian Foster said Friday that he has no plans to have offseason heart surgery to correct an irregular heartbeat.
“Thank you all for the concern," Foster said in a statement. "As of now, I have no complications with my blood pumper. There was a casual conversation with a reporter about my particular condition that turned public. But I have not, nor do I plan to any time in the near future, have conversations with my doctors about any surgery. I am feeling well and am as exuberant as ever. Love and light to all those concerned!”
A report Thursday indicated that Foster would need surgery to correct an irregular heartbeat, a condition he's been dealing with since an early age.
The issue kept the three-time Pro Bowl running back from finishing Houston's Week 16 game against Minnesota. Foster left the game midway through the third quarter and at the time said he would be fine.
"I'm OK, it's a very minor situation," Foster said after the Texans' 23-6 loss.
The irregular heartbeat Foster suffered against the Vikings marked at least the eighth time he's suffered from the ailment since age 12. However, the episode against Minnesota was the first time Foster suffered an irregular heartbeat during a game. The most significant side effect for Foster has been a shortness of breath.
Foster isn't the first professional athlete to experience an irregular heartbeat. After discussing the issue with trainers and doctors, Foster learned that former NBA star Hakeem Olajuwon also suffered from a similar condition. Olajuwon's condition was triggered by drinking cold water. Foster's not sure what's triggering his condition, but he believes it's stress.
Earlier Friday, Texans general manager Rick Smith told Mark Berman of Fox 26 in Houston that he and the Texans' medical staff are comfortable with Foster's health status.
"Our medical team continues to monitor it," he said. "He missed half of a practice and half of a game and the doctors treated him. We're comfortable with where he is."
-- Correspondent John Breech contributed to this report.
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