Darts star Cameron Menzies has opened up on a heart condition he is battling, and revealed he has lost three stone as he sheds the pounds to help get his health back on track. The 36-year-old Scot suffers from an ectopic heartbeat and high blood pressure. Ectopic beats are ‘early or extra heartbeats’ and can cause palpitations for those who suffer from them. Heart problems are prevalent in Menzies’ family, and as a result, the World Grand Prix quarter-finalist is taking a number of steps to ensure his health is in tip-top condition.

Menzies made the revelation following a 6-1 win over Sietse Lap as he booked a place in the second round of the Belgian Darts Open. The world number 29 is enjoying life a lot more since getting his transformation underway, and he is putting in work away from the dart board. Menzies punched a table during the World Championships and has since admitted he thought about quitting the sport.

“Life is a lot better!” he said after his first-round win. “I’m at the gym and I’ll tell you something that not many folk know that I’ve got an issue with my heart and high blood pressure and an ectopic heartbeat.

“It’s quite common, my family has always had heart issues and stuff so my weight was bad I was 21 stone and I’m down to 18 at the moment.

“Hopefully I can go more down and I am trying to look after myself a bit more because that is doctor’s orders.

“Life is generally in a good place compared to where it was three or four months ago and I’m doing hypnotherapy treatment which makes things easier.

“When things become complicated and hard, you break it down into smaller problems. You deal with smaller problems better than you do with the big ones. So life is good at the moment.”

Menzies could not make it past Ross Smith in Beligium, but has made a steady start to the year. ‘Cammy’ has made the third round of the Poland Masters and the last 32 at Players Championship Five.

The 36-year-old is pleased with his current form but knows what he must change to improve his results.

He said: “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. I feel like I am trying too hard, but that could be because of the territory I am in.”