When you’re “The People’s Champion,” even your heart gets the main event treatment. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson recently opened up about a cardiovascular health scare that nearly had him starting long-term medication—until a second opinion and cutting-edge technology saved the day.
The Great One’s Health Wake-Up Call at 53
Like many performers who’ve put their bodies through decades of punishment in the squared circle, The Rock discovered that hitting his fifties meant facing a new opponent: comprehensive health screenings. The former WWE Champion explained during a candid conversation with Dr. Mark Hyman how reaching 53 triggered a complete medical evaluation.
“Even now, as it relates to my heart—you know, all of a sudden, you’re rolling along in life and things are good. Then you reach your fifth level of life, and you realize that—oh, you’re of age. You’re 53 now. And when you become 53, that’s when all the tests start to happen, right?”
The Hollywood megastar’s routine included everything from colonoscopies to cardiovascular workups. But one particular scan raised immediate red flags that would have derailed most people’s approach to their health management.
When Scans Show Trouble in Paradise
During his comprehensive cardiovascular examination, doctors spotted what appeared to be plaque buildup in Johnson’s circumflex artery—a vessel that wraps around the back of the heart. For someone who’d never heard of this particular artery, the news hit harder than a Stone Cold Stunner.
“Then there was what looked to be some stuff inside the—what they thought was plaque—in the circumflex valve. In the artery, right? And I didn’t even know what that—I’d never even heard of that. It goes around the back of your heart.”
The medical team’s response was swift and decisive: immediate medication for multiple months. For someone who wasn’t taking any prescription drugs, this recommendation felt like stepping into unfamiliar territory without proper preparation.
The Champion’s Instinct Kicks In
Rather than accepting the first diagnosis, Johnson’s gut told him to seek additional expertise. The former Brahma Bull reached out to Dr. Hyman, not to discredit his medical team, but to explore all available options before committing to long-term treatment.
“So then I called you. And I said, ‘Doc, listen—here’s what I got. I’m not indicting anybody, not throwing anyone under the bus, but what do you think? And here’s what their suggestion is.'”
Technology Delivers the People’s Elbow to Misdiagnosis
Dr. Hyman’s approach differed significantly from the initial medical recommendation. Instead of rushing to prescribe medication, he suggested utilizing advanced AI-assisted scanning technology to get a clearer picture of what was actually happening inside The Rock’s cardiovascular system.
“And again, I’ll never forget that Zoom. I said, ‘Okay, hold on, hold on. Let’s not jump to conclusions. I don’t want you getting on that right now. Don’t get on the medication.'”
The advanced scan results delivered news that hit sweeter than hearing your entrance music after a long absence from WWE programming. Johnson’s reaction captured the relief perfectly, comparing it to discovering an incredible new song for the first time.
The Final Verdict: Clean Bill of Health
The AI-enhanced diagnostic revealed what traditional scanning had missed: The apparent “plaque buildup” was actually just an anatomical quirk unique to Johnson’s cardiovascular structure. His heart valves showed excellent condition, and the recommendation changed from immediate medication to a simple follow-up in three years.
“You told me, ‘Here’s the report from our head cardiologist’—a very good friend of yours—and he said: ‘It looks great. It’s just an anatomical thing happening back there. It’s not buildup at all. His valves look great. Come back in three years.'”
Beyond the Ring: Lessons in Health Advocacy
Dr. Hyman’s comprehensive analysis went deeper than the initial scare, examining Johnson’s complete cardiovascular risk profile. The results painted a picture of someone whose inflammation levels were remarkably low, with cholesterol numbers that fell within acceptable ranges despite some genetic predispositions.
The situation highlighted a crucial healthcare reality: even with excellent medical professionals, getting multiple perspectives can prevent unnecessary treatments. Johnson’s experience demonstrates how advanced diagnostic technology can provide clarity where traditional methods might create confusion.
The People’s Champion Sets an Example
This health journey showcases why The Rock remains one of wrestling’s most respected figures, even years after his last match. His willingness to question medical recommendations—respectfully but firmly—exemplifies the same confidence and critical thinking that made him a seven-time WWE Champion.
The story also underscores how former wrestlers, who spent years prioritizing performance over health, are now taking proactive approaches to medical care. Johnson’s experience could inspire other performers from his era to seek comprehensive health evaluations and advocate for themselves in medical settings.
For wrestling fans who grew up watching The Rock electrify crowds, seeing him navigate health challenges with the same intensity he brought to the ring proves that some things never change. Whether facing The Undertaker at WrestleMania or potential heart medication, The Great One approaches every challenge with preparation, respect for expertise, and unwavering determination to find the best possible outcome. What health scares have you or your favorite wrestlers faced that turned out differently than initially expected?
