Carlton triple premiership star Alex Marcou recovering after heart scare

Carlton triple premiership star Alex Marcou has revealed how a routine health check uncovered a life-threatening condition as the Blues prepare for their first final in 10 years.

Carlton triple premiership player Alex Marcou has had a stent inserted.

Triple Carlton premiership star Alex Marcou is recovering from a serious heart scare as his beloved Blues shape up for their first AFL finals campaign in a decade.

Marcou, who was part of Carlton’s premiership winning teams in 1979, 1981 and 1982, had a stent inserted after a routine heart check detected a dangerous narrowing of his arteries.

Carlton triple premiership player Alex Marcou recovers after having a stent inserted.

“After months of gentle encouragement from my better half I finally went to the doc for a calcium score that ended with an angiogram and stent,” Marcou posted on Facebook.

“There was much frivolity as the shaver came out to find some skin beneath my magnificently covered chest but, on a serious note, it is reassuring for me and my family that I have had a thorough check-up.

“Enjoy your day, look after yourself and get checked. Go Blues!!!.”

Alex Marcou in action with Tim Watson on the left.

Marcou, 65, has encouraged other men to be proactive about their health and have a heart check.

A stent is a tiny, expandable metal mesh coil that is inserted into an artery to help keep the artery from narrowing or closing.

On Monday, Marcou explained it was the sudden passing of a friend, to whom he had been speaking just days earlier, that finally made him get a heart check.

Alex Marcou, Rod Ashman and Wayne Harmes in 2002.

“I went to the doctor, got the check and got a call back saying ‘you’ve got an artery that is a bit too narrow for my liking’,” Marcou said.

Before he knew it, he was undergoing the stent procedure last Monday.

He was released from hospital the following day.

Marcou said he was fit and ready to cheer on his beloved Blues when they take on Sydney on Friday night.

“I’ve got my boots ready. Being back in the finals is great for the club,” he said.