Cameron Menzies, the fiery Scottish darts professional known for his passionate displays on the oche, has opened up in a deeply emotional interview about his battle with a heart condition that prompted a dramatic lifestyle overhaul and significant personal transformation. The 36-year-old, who recently secured a convincing first-round victory at the Belgian Darts Open, revealed details that few outside his inner circle knew, shedding light on the health scare that forced him to reassess everything from his physical fitness to his mental wellbeing.
In the candid conversation following his 6-1 win over Sietse Lap, Menzies didn’t hold back. “I’ll tell you something not many folk know – I have issues with my heart,” he shared openly. “I’ve got high blood pressure and an ectopic heartbeat, which is quite common, but there’s a history of heart issues in my family.” An ectopic heartbeat involves extra or early beats that can cause palpitations and discomfort, often manageable but concerning when combined with high blood pressure and a familial predisposition. For Menzies, this diagnosis served as a stark wake-up call, especially after a turbulent period that included a high-profile incident at the World Darts Championship where frustration led him to injure his hand.
The health revelation came hand-in-hand with remarkable physical changes. Menzies has shed an impressive three stone, dropping from a concerning 21 and a half stone (approximately 136 kg) down to 18 stone (around 80-114 kg, with ongoing progress). “My weight was bad. I was 21 and a half stone and I am 18 stone at the moment. Hopefully I can keep going down. That’s all doctor’s orders,” he explained, emphasizing that the weight loss is medically driven rather than purely aesthetic. This transformation has seen him embrace a new routine centered on self-care and physical activity. “In life I am doing a lot better, I am hitting the gym,” Menzies stated, his voice carrying a mix of relief and determination. “I am trying to look after myself a bit more because that is doctor’s orders.”
The changes extend far beyond the scales and the gym floor. Menzies described how life away from the darts board has improved markedly in recent months. “Life generally is in a good place at the moment compared to three or four months ago,” he reflected. Part of this positive shift stems from his commitment to hypnotherapy, which he credits as a “massive thing” in helping him navigate challenges. “I’m doing hypnotherapy treatment, which has been a massive thing. It just makes things easier,” he said. The sessions involve breaking down overwhelming problems into smaller, more manageable pieces. “When things become complicated and hard, you break them down into smaller problems. You deal with smaller problems better than you do with the big ones.”
Menzies also highlighted support from the Professional Darts Players Association (PDPA), which provided an eight-week program he is now nearing the end of. He spoke warmly about the experience: “I’ve never left an appointment feeling bad – I always feel quite good about myself. It just tries to make life easier.” The Scot even touched on the broader pressures of modern darts, acknowledging that the sport has evolved into a high-stakes professional arena far removed from its pub roots. “It just shows we’re not just pub players anymore. We’re professional athletes,” he noted with a touch of humor about the players’ physiques, while stressing the mental toll when results don’t go as planned. “The game is massive and you don’t realise the pressure when things aren’t going right. It’s a dark place to be in.”
Despite these struggles—including a difficult start to the year and moments where he admitted to beating himself up—Menzies sounded optimistic and grounded. “Life’s good at the moment. The sun’s shining, which is a big thing – especially as a Scotsman, you don’t get that very often. I feel like I’m in a good place,” he remarked, blending vulnerability with his trademark resilience.
On the oche, Menzies has shown signs of turning a corner. His strong performance in Belgium, where he advanced further in the tournament, came after reaching the third round of the Poland Masters and the last 32 at a recent Players Championship event. He admitted to feeling nervous but motivated: “The result today is the most important thing. I was nervous, and I wanted to win more than anything else. I have not had a great start to the year, but I do think I am playing well at the moment.”
This emotional interview humanizes a player often remembered for his intense on-stage energy and occasional outbursts. The heart diagnosis, weight loss journey, and embrace of gym sessions and hypnotherapy paint a picture of a man confronting his demons head-on—both physical and mental. By prioritizing his health under medical guidance, Menzies is not only aiming to extend his darts career but also to build a more balanced, sustainable life.
Fans and fellow professionals have been quick to show support, recognizing the courage it takes to share such personal battles in the public eye. As Menzies continues his recovery and competition schedule, his story serves as a powerful reminder of the unseen pressures athletes face and the importance of seeking help and making positive changes. With his weight trending downward, his mindset sharpening through therapy, and his outlook brightening, the Scottish star appears poised for a renewed chapter—one where health comes first, fueling both personal happiness and professional ambitions on the world darts stage.
The road ahead may still have challenges, particularly with a family history of heart issues requiring ongoing monitoring, but Menzies’ honest reflections suggest he is better equipped than ever to face them. In an era where mental and physical wellbeing are increasingly discussed in elite sport, his openness could inspire many, both inside and outside the darts community. For now, the message from the man himself is clear and uplifting: life is a lot better, and he is committed to keeping it that way, one gym session, one smaller problem, and one arrow at a time.
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