Chevy Chase Heart Failure Led to Prolonged Hospitalization

Chevy Chase reveals lasting health impacts from a major 2021 medical crisis. The 82-year-old comedy legend was hospitalized for five weeks. He suffered what his family calls “near-fatal heart failure.” New details explain his ongoing struggle with memory loss today.

Chevy Chase faced a severe health scare in 2021. He was hospitalized for a total of five weeks. The incident began with a trip to the emergency room.

His wife, Jayni Chase, recalled the frightening moment. She said he could not explain what was wrong. Then his heart stopped in the ER.

The diagnosis was cardiomyopathy. This condition weakens the heart muscle. It reduces the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively.

According to his friend Peter Aaron, doctors placed Chase in a coma. This medical coma lasted for eight full days. The situation was extremely grave.

His daughter, Caley Chase, shared the doctor’s grim warning. The medical team said they might not get him back. The family prepared for the worst possible outcome.

Chase eventually woke up from the coma. His recovery was slow and difficult. He had to relearn basic skills and reorient himself.

Memory Loss and Recovery After Health Crisis

The aftermath of the heart failure has been challenging. Chase now deals with significant memory problems. He attributes these gaps directly to the medical event.

Chevy Chase stated the doctors warned him about this. They told him his memory would be “shot” from the incident. He confirms this is exactly what happened.

He often needs reminders about past events. This includes forgetting controversial moments from his career. When asked about past on-set clashes, he has no memory of them.

His friend Peter Aaron helped with cognitive therapy. They played chess and card games together. This was part of a long effort to aid his mental recovery.

Chase maintains a positive outlook despite the challenges. He simply states, “I’m fine now.” He acknowledges the memory issue as a lasting effect he must manage.

These personal health revelations are featured in a new CNN documentary. The film is titled “I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not.” It premieres on New Year’s Day.

A Separate Hurt: Exclusion from SNL’s 50th Anniversary

Chase also addressed a recent professional disappointment. He was hurt by his exclusion from the SNL 50th-anniversary stage. The celebration took place in February.

He was present at the event but was not invited on stage. Other original cast members, like Garrett Morris and Laraine Newman, were welcomed. Chase expected to join them.

He expressed his frustration clearly. Chase said nobody asked him to be on the stage. He called it a “bad mistake” that hurt him personally.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the audience reaction was muted when he was acknowledged. This compounded the slight he felt from the show’s producers.

Chevy Chase heart failure serves as a sobering chapter in the comedian’s life. His journey highlights the severe aftermath of a major cardiac event. The star continues to navigate his health and legacy with resilience.