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Just three days after being hospitalized due to complications stemming from cardiomyopathy, country singer Randy Travis suffered from a stroke and had to undergo emergency surgery to relieve pressure from his brain, reports TMZ.
Travis was initially airlifted to Baylor Medical Center in McKinney, Texas on Sunday when the viral illness led to congestive heart failure. Doctors then transferred the 54-year-old to The Heart Hospital at Baylor Plano on Monday where he was implanted with a device in his heart to help blood flow. One of the singer’s doctors had just said he was stable and “showing signs of improvement” when the stroke hit Wednesday night.
According to his rep, Travis was rushed into surgery, but is still remains in critical condition.
“We will have updates as they become available,” Travis’ publicist Kirt Webster said. “His family and friends here with him at the hospital request your prayers and support.”
The singer was on the road after performing in Detroit and Chicago when the illness hit. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website, viral cardiomyopathy is a disorder where a virus attacks the muscles of the heart, causing the heart to beat slower. In some cases, the heart can stop.
Travis’ sister-in-law, Teresa Trawick, told People.com on Monday that his family has a history of heart problems.
“His mother passed away at an early age with her heart, so it is like these boys are following right in their footsteps,” Trawick said.
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Randy Travis Suffers Stroke, Still in Critical Condition