Vagner Rocha has been released from the hospital after a five-day stay, during which he was diagnosed with heart failure.
The 42-year-old grappling legend shared the news on Instagram:
Spent the last 5 days in the hospital undergoing tests, and the doctors found out I have heart failure.
We don’t know how long this has been going on, but they said it could’ve been tragic if I had waited any longer to seek help.
Rocha also previously spoke candidly about performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) and the risks associated with their use.
He urged athletes, particularly younger ones, to think carefully before turning to PEDs and advised all individuals over 35 to stay on top of their health through regular blood work:
I recommend younger athletes to not use PEDs and I recommend all my friends above 35 to get blood work done to check your levels so they can live a healthier life.
If you’re younger than 35 and want to get informed about your levels, find a well-respected doctor in your area and do your homework.
He also addressed misconceptions surrounding PEDs in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu:
Long story short is many athletes are on PEDs, but how many own up to it and how many really need it?
A lot of people have the misconception that if you take PEDs, you automatically will become good in Jiu-Jitsu.But there are a lot of people out there who take PEDs and aren’t world champions.
PEDs don’t magically make you good at Jiu-Jitsu; they only work if you do.
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