
Diego Maradona, the iconic Argentinian footballer, passed away 52 months ago at the age of 60. Recently, forensic experts who conducted his autopsy have revealed new details about his health condition prior to death, including the unusual size of his heart.
Maradona’s Heart Found to Be Nearly Double the Normal Weight
According to forensic expert Alejandro Ezequiel Vega, Maradona’s heart weighed 503 grams—well above the normal range of 250 to 300 grams. The examination also indicated that the footballer had been suffering from ischemia, a condition in which restricted blood flow leads to decreased oxygen delivery to organs and tissues.
Cause of Death: Acute Pulmonary Edema from Heart Failure
The autopsy clarified that Maradona died due to acute pulmonary edema, which occurs when fluid builds up in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. Experts stated that this fluid accumulation had been developing for at least 10 days prior to his death, triggered by heart failure.
No Traces of Alcohol or Drugs Found
Although Maradona had a history of substance abuse, the autopsy confirmed that no alcohol or drugs were found in his system at the time of death. He had also recently undergone surgery for a subdural hematoma, a blood clot between the brain and skull.
Health Experts Emphasize Importance of Lifestyle Choices
Medical professionals have noted that a heart as large as Maradona’s likely caused severe discomfort and pain in his final hours. This case highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and avoiding harmful habits such as smoking, alcohol, and tobacco.