Heikki Kovalainen’s runs have been run so far. The doctor put the car racing star’s career on ice in November during a routine medical examination.
In November, Heikki Kovalainen received a frightening diagnosis during a routine medical examination. Inka Soveri
- Heikki Kovalainen received an arresting diagnosis during a medical examination.
- There is probably a dangerous surgery ahead. Thanks to that, maybe the career can continue.
- Kovalainen also sends others to the doctor to examine themselves. A timely diagnosis can save a life.
Heikki Kovalainen’s career is on hold for the time being due to a serious health problem.
A health check-up at the end of last year revealed that he had an enlarged aorta.
– At the end of last season, I decided to have a thorough physical examination at the doctor’s. The idea was to check that no bigger problem was found, but then something like this was revealed, Kovalainen tells Iltalehte.
Sokkiuutinen put a stop to the racing career of 42-year-old Kovalainen for the time being. In addition to driving a rally car, the doctor forbade any other physical activity even slightly more strenuous.
– Since November, I haven’t been allowed to do any hard physical training, Kovalainen, known as an active skier and fitness enthusiast, regrets.
An arresting discovery
Kovalainen says that the diagnosis came as a complete surprise. After the initial shock, Kovalainen immediately started to find out what could be done about it. Inka Soveri
Kovalainen says that the enlargement of the aorta was revealed during the medical examination after last season. Fortunately, it was decided to carry out the routine procedure on a larger scale than usual this time.
It revealed an enlarged aorta.
– The day before the inspection, I went for a running workout. I felt how good it felt in my body. It did scare me a bit when the next day the doctor told me what the tests found, says Kovalainen.
Aortic dilatation is no joke. Kovalainen still approaches his life-threatening diagnosis with Tyyne’s calm.
– It’s a hereditary disease that I can’t do anything about. It’s good that it was discovered now. Usually, this problem is asymptomatic, except when it first occurs. And that’s the last one, Kovalainen refers to the rupture of the aorta and the almost certain death that follows.
Big cut in front
Kovalainen says that after receiving the diagnosis, he immediately started investigation.
– The whole winter has been mapped out, what can be done about it. I’ve been as far as Japan to talk to professionals, says Kovalainen.
Kovalainen and the doctors are leaning towards open heart surgery. That includes its own big risks.
For example, the heart is stopped during a multi-hour operation.
– It is such a big surgery that the risk of the worst always exists. However, the aorta has expanded so much that the surgical threshold is exceeded, says Kovalainen.
According to Kovalainen, the need for surgery would not be acute. However, you should take it easy without an operation.
– In addition, the operation must be performed at some point anyway. That’s why it doesn’t really make sense to postpone it until the coming years, says Kovalainen.
The career can continue
Heikki Kovalainen would still like to continue his career. Heart surgery could make that possible. However, if the career was over, Kovalainen would be with you. PDO
After the operation, there is at least several months of recovery ahead.
However, it is a small price for the 42-year-old racing driver’s career to continue.
– This health problem is sad, because big things had been agreed for this season. The intention was to defend the championship in Japan with the new Yaris WRC2 car. In addition, it was planned to participate in some EC and WC asphalt rallies in Europe, Kovalainen says.
However, their time is in the future.
– My team is aware of my situation. I have been promised that as long as I get back into driving condition, the agreed things will be implemented, Kovalainen praises.
Go to the doctor
Several months have now passed since Kovalainen’s diagnosis. After the initial shock, he is completely at peace with his situation.
– The probabilities are on my side. However, if it happens that I can’t continue racing despite the operation, then so be it. Johan has come a long way here, says Kovalainen.
– My primary goal is to get back to a normal life.
Kovalainen wants to act as an example and urges people to investigate themselves. Finding a heart defect in good time puts trump cards in a racing driver’s hand. The situation could have been different if the health problem had not been detected in time.
– Go and check yourself. When it is found in good time, something can be done about it. I am a good example of this, Kovalainen states.
While waiting for the operation, Kovalainen spends time with his loved ones. At home, Heikin and Catherine– the apple of the wife’s eye, barely a year old Emil-son.
– There hasn’t been a lack of things to do at home, Kovalainen laughs.