Menzies feared he was having a heart attack on plane before making major lifestyle changes

CAMERON MENZIES has revealed he feared he was having a HEART ATTACK on a flight to Switzerland.

The world No26 admitted the frightening incident prompted him to make major changes to his lifestyle and take his fitness and diet more seriously.

Menzies, 37, also revealed dehydration was behind his withdrawal from the World Matchplay earlier this year after he was escorted from the stage during his second-round clash with Ross Smith.

Cammy has since lost weight as he looks after himself away from the oche.

He said: “I’ve lost a bit of weight. It was last year in Switzerland I genuinely thought I was going to get a heart attack on a plane.

“I went through scans and it runs through my family, heart problems. They told me to lose weight and I have done that.

“With Ross Smith, I went through tests and stuff and they thought it was dehydration. But it caused my blood pressure to go high because I was panicking.

“I’ve never had that before. I went through bloods for more serious issues with my heart.

“I went to Glasgow Jubilee after it. I did ten hours there and everything came back okay, which I hope it is because that is me having to look after myself more.

“So, once this is done, I go back and drink electrolytes, little things like that. We are not all athletes here, I get that, but they are long days.

“I have been here since 9:30am. I am getting older now and I need to look after myself.

“My breakfast was porridge and I have not eaten all day. Usually I would go and get a pizza, but I try and be better.”

Menzies also believes the modern game has become far more professional, with younger players putting greater emphasis on fitness than when he first came through.

He added: “A lot of players go jogging or walking now. Darts is probably better than it's ever been because all these young kids are coming through and they're all fit athletes.

“It's not like when we grew up playing in clubs and pubs. These guys are in youth systems. They're catching up.”

The Ayrshire thrower was speaking after picking up his fourth PDC ranking title on Tuesday evening.

Menzies beat Gian van Veen 8-4 in the final of Players Championship 29 in Den Bosch to claim the £15,000 top prize.

The former Grand Slam quarter-finalist also revealed he is determined to make the most of his return to form after admitting he came close to losing his place in the sport.

He said: “My aim is to make a good life for myself. That's the aim that I think is achievable.

“Winning a major. Having a good run at the Worlds would be amazing because the last two years I have stinkers.

“I'd like to end the year on a high because I had a poor start to the season struggling with my hand.

“I've put more effort in this year because I nearly lost it all and I am grateful to be in this position.

“I'm in the Players [Championship Finals] and maybe the Euros. I'm in the Worlds and the Grand Slam. I want to continue to be in those positions.

“I have been on the other side of the Challenge Tour and stuff. I know how hard it is to get here. I don't want to take it for granted.”

Words: Aaron Nijjar

Image: Taylor Lanning