Los Angeles Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh had to receive medical attention for a heart rhythm issue during Sunday’s 23-16 road victory over the Denver Broncos. Harbaugh said he experienced an “atrial flutter,” also known as arrhythmia, but that his heartbeat returned to normal rhythm after he went to the locker room.
Harbaugh, 60, was dealing with the issue just prior to the contest and was examined in the medical tent on the sideline. Then right after the game began, he walked off the field with team trainers and the club announced he left with an illness. Harbaugh said he received an IV from paramedics and was given a magnesium pill. Harbaugh returned to the sideline midway through the first quarter.
This was the second time Harbaugh experienced arrhythmia during a game. The other came on Nov. 19, 2012 when he was coach of the San Francisco 49ers during a 32-7 victory over the Chicago Bears.
“I’ve had a couple of ablations — one in 1999 and one in 2012,” Harbaugh said of a procedure that treats irregular heart rhythms. “I always remember the one in 2012. It was during the Monday Night game — Colin Kaepernick and the 49ers versus the Chicago Bears and Colin had a great night.” Harbaugh said he would see his cardiologist on Monday.
After saying, “I could tell there were some irregular beats,” Harbaugh then joked, “I am medically qualified to talk about it.” He then dropped in this comment — “2-0 with arrhythmias.” Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter served as head coach while Harbaugh was away. Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert said he had no idea Harbaugh left the field or was experiencing a heart issue. Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh, the older brother of Jim, was pulled from his postgame press conference due to the situation.
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