A skiing incident triggered a medical emergency for Queen Sonja of Norway, aged 87, prompting hospital treatment for complications related to her chronic heart condition.
Doctors urgently admitted Queen Sonja to Lillehammer Hospital on January 11 after a flare-up of atrial fibrillation and later discharged her, People reported.
The Queen experienced acute symptoms while skiing, leading medical staff to swiftly transport her to the hospital. Atrial fibrillation, the root cause of her distress, disrupts heart rhythm by causing irregular beats through abnormal electrical impulses.
The National Health Service describes atrial fibrillation as a scenario where "these impulses override the heart's natural pacemaker, leading to a highly irregular pulse rate." Such fluctuations in heart rhythm prompted immediate medical intervention for the queen.
Queen Sonja has a well-documented history with skiing, highlighting the unfortunate reality of an enjoyable pastime leading to health complications. The staff at Lillehammer Hospital managed her condition, stabilizing her heart rate by January 12 and enabling her release from the hospital.
The palace confirmed her discharge, easing concerns about her immediate well-being. This incident has brought her robust health history into the limelight, as it marks a rare instance of major health concerns for her, despite her advanced age.
She enjoys a relatively active lifestyle, which includes frequent skiing, an activity that she presumably plans to continue after recovery. The prime minister of Norway, Jonas Gahr Støre, conveyed his optimistic outlook for her health, stating he "hopes that she will soon be ready for new skiing trips."
While her husband, King Harald V, has encountered significant health issues, requiring a permanent pacemaker in March 2024, Queen Sonja has maintained a relatively stable health condition over the years.
As a condition, atrial fibrillation can be especially concerning in elderly patients, highlighting the necessity for careful monitoring. Royal expert Trond Norén remarks on the queen's typically robust health, emphasizing this episode as a deviation from her usual well-being.
Given King Harald V's health struggles, the royal family has experienced its fair share of public health concerns. Their shared challenges underline the vulnerabilities that even royal figures face regarding health.
The royal couple is approaching an important milestone, their 34th anniversary of ascending to the throne on January 17, a celebratory moment that this recent health scare precedes.
In light of her recent hospitalization, adjustments have been made to Queen Sonja's schedule. Official engagements have been temporarily lightened to accommodate a wholesome recovery period, ensuring she gets the necessary rest.
These adjustments reflect the royal family's prioritization of health and stability, especially considering the physical demands often associated with their public roles and responsibilities.
As she recovers, the focus remains firmly on her health and well-being, with hopes high within the royal circle and broader Norwegian public that Queen Sonja will soon return to her normal activities, with better health and continued vigilance.
