54-year-old singer suffered a stroke as a result of congestive heart failure
Country singer Randy Travis remains in critical condition after suffering a stroke and undergoing surgery to relieve pressure on his brain on Wednesday evening.
Randy Travis, 54, has been in the hospital since Sunday night. Symptoms he attributed to a cold turned out to be “a presumptive cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure,” a doctor said.
He was taken to Baylor Medical Center in McKinney, Texas, on Sunday night and was later transferred to The Baylor Health Care System in Texas. Prior to his transfer, a pump was inserted into his heart to assist with increasing blood flow.
“We determined together in a joint decision that a higher level of specialized care was appropriate, and therefore we transferred him to The Heart Hospital,” Dr. Michael Mack said.
On Wednesday, doctors released a statement saying that his condition had “stabilized and he has shown signs of improvement.” However, the stroke came as a “complication for his congestive heart failure,” and Travis underwent brain surgery on Wednesday evening.
Travis’ heart failure was triggered by an upper respiratory infection caused by a virus. Cardiomyopathy causes enlargement of the heart muscle, which makes it difficult for the heart to pump blood and transport it to the rest of the body. It can also lead to heart failure. Treatments vary but include medication, surgically implanted devices, or heart surgery, according to Mayo Clinic’s website.
Support for Randy Travis comes from fans and fellow country singers alike. Rodney Atkins, Thompson Square, Scotty McCreery, Carrie Underwood, and Hillary Scott of Lady Antebellum have all shown their support through Twitter.
The Grammy Award-winning country singer’s best-known songs include, “Forever and Ever, Amen,” “Three Wooden Crosses” and “Diggin’ Up Bones.”
“We will have updates as they become available,” Travis’ publicist, Kirt Webster, said. “His family and friends here with him at the hospital request your prayers and support.”
In the meantime, you can send your prayers and support for Randy Travis through Twitter using hashtag PrayforRandy.
