I had a life-saving heart operation after top doctor confused me with Arsenal football legend

The Sun

22-04-2025

A HOSPITAL patient called Lee Dixon got a life-saving operation after a top doctor confused him with the Arsenal footie legend.
Antiques dealer Lee had been admitted following a stroke when he was visited by the cardiologist who was hoping to meet defender Dixon.
4
4
4
4
Despite his disappointment, the doctor decided to examine Lee, 54, and discovered a strawberry-sized blood clot on his heart.
The anomaly had been missed by junior colleagues in Exeter — who wanted to send Lee home.
And there were no ambulances available to take Lee to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth for surgery until another staff member — also a huge Gunners fan — rearranged the schedule to transfer him urgently.
Lee, who lives in Buckfastleigh, Devon, with his partner Denise Channing, was operated on the next day and made a full recovery.
He now runs Dixon's Real Deal, a shop selling second-hand radio equipment and antique bottles in Torquay.
The divorced dad of two, who served in the Royal Navy as a radio operator, admitted he has never watched a footie match and prefers wrestling.
He said: 'Undoubtedly my name saved my life. It was a total fluke — I was about to be discharged when the doctor came in saying he was a massive Arsenal fan and heard I was Lee Dixon.
'Obviously he saw I wasn't but decided while he was there to have a look at my heart.
'He looked shocked when he found a lump the size of a large strawberry and just said, 'You are not being discharged today, we need to get you in for emergency surgery'.
"The funny thing is I'm not even a football fan. I remember once seeing Lee on Match of the Day.
The 8 subtle signs of lingering 'holiday heart syndrome' - and when you risk blood clots and stroke
'I never get bored of people commenting on it, it's a bit of a laugh and I like to think people occasionally mix us up but he'd have to gain a bit of weight for that to happen.'
Lee says customers at Dixon's Real Deal also joke about TV antiques expert David Dickinson, who presented Dickinson's Real Deal.
He said: 'I get a few jokes with customers saying, 'I thought you'd be more orange', but it's all good fun and I'm just happy being me.
Right-back Dixon, 61, retired in 2002 after 14 years at Arsenal and works as an analyst for ITV Sport and NBC Sports Soccer in the US.
He won four league titles and three FA Cups with the club.
Asked if he has a message for the star, Lee, who is fully recovered from his 2015 op, said: 'I'd just like to say thank you for being who you are — I owe you one.'
How to reduce your risk of heart attacks and stroke
You can reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke with many of the same methods.
Heart attacks and strokes, although affecting different organs of the body, are both what we call cardiovascular events.
Both arise from similar underlying conditions, such as atherosclerosis —a buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries.
According to the American Heart Association, the risk factors for heart attacks and strokes are largely the same: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, physical inactivity and diabetes.
Therefore, addressing these risk factors can simultaneously reduce the risk of both conditions.
Here are ways you can prevent the two:
Healthy diet
More fruit and veg: The DASH, which emphasises fruit, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins, has been shown to reduce blood pressure and improve heart health.
Less fats: Too much saturated and trans fats can raise cholesterol levels and increase the risk of atherosclerosis. Go for healthier fats like those found in olive oil, nuts, and avocados.
Limit salt: High salt intake is linked to high blood pressure, a major risk factor for both heart attack and stroke. The NHS recommends no more than 6g of salt per day for adults.
Fibre: Foods high in soluble fibre, such as oats and beans, can help lower cholesterol levels.
Exercise
Walking, running, cycling, swimming - whatever you like, do it!
Aerobic exercise can strengthen the heart and improve circulation.
The NHS advises at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity each week.
Strength training exercises can help control weight, improve cholesterol levels, and reduce blood pressure. It is recommended twice a week by the NHS.
Manage blood pressure
Healthy diet and exercise can help keep your blood pressure in check.
But it is worth monitoring it yourself after the age of 40, at least, when the NHS invites adults for a check-up every five years.
High blood pressure often has no symptoms but significantly increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Quit smoking
One of the best ways to quit smoking is to use resources provided by NHS Smokefree. Support groups, medications, and other tools to help quit smoking such as vapes could be what you need to kick the habit for good - and it's free.
Limit booze
Excessive alcohol consumption can increase blood pressure and contribute to weight gain, which can snowball and become a heart health risk.
The NHS recommends not regularly drinking more than 14 units of alcohol per week.