“I have issues with my heart” – Cameron Menzies opens up on health scare behind dramatic weight loss and career reset

Cameron Menzies made an excellent start to the 2026 Belgian Darts Open. The 36-year-old Scot defeated Dutchman Sietse Lap 6-1 in the first round and will now face 13th seed Ross Smith.

After his opening-round victory, Menzies spoke to the media looking visibly relieved. Not only because of the result on stage, but also due to the personal progress he has made in recent months. The Scot spoke openly about his health, mental support, and the pressure of modern darts.

“In life, a lot better, mate,” Menzies told Tungsten Tales when asked how he was doing. “I’m at the gym and just trying to look after myself a bit more.”

The changes have been driven in part by serious health concerns. Menzies revealed something that had not been widely known. “I’ll tell you something not many people know – I have issues with my heart,” he explained. “I’ve got high blood pressure and an ectopic heartbeat, which is quite common, but there’s a history of heart issues in my family.”

His physical condition played a major role in that. “My weight was bad. I was 21 and a half stone, and I’m down to 80kg at the moment. Hopefully I can keep going down. That’s all doctor’s orders.”

The transformation has not only had a physical impact, but a mental one too. “Life generally is in a good place compared to maybe three or four months ago.”

A key part of that mental turnaround has been hypnotherapy. While it may sound unusual to some, Menzies sees it as a valuable addition. “I’m doing hypnotherapy treatment, which has been a massive thing. It just makes things easier.”

He explained how it helps him deal with challenges.“When things become complicated, you break them down into smaller problems, and you deal with those better than one big problem.”

The sessions themselves are relatively simple in structure. “It’s only one hour a week. We talk for 10 minutes, then I put the headphones in and there’s a soundtrack while he talks to you. Nine times out of 10 he’s talking to your subconscious, the part of the brain you don’t realise you’re using.”

Menzies is not alone in turning to mental coaching. According to him, more and more players are doing the same. “There’s a lot of players doing it. If there are guys fighting for UFC championships doing it, why not? We’re in a sport, it’s a mental game. There are better players than me doing it.”

He has found the experience overwhelmingly positive. “I’ve never left an appointment feeling bad – I always feel quite good about myself. It just tries to make life easier.”

The support is partly facilitated by the PDPA, which initially provided him with an eight-week programme. “The PDPA gave me an eight-week programme, and I think I’m on my seventh now. The guy wants to continue working with me, and I’d like that because it does help.”

Despite his comfortable win, Menzies admitted his performance was not at the level he wants. “The result today was the most important thing for me. I was nervous and it wasn’t a good performance, but I’ll happily take the win.”

That desire to win has been sharpened by a difficult start to the season. “I wanted to win more than anything because last week felt like a game I lost rather than he won. Maybe that’s wrong, but I just wanted to win because I’ve not had a great start to the year.”

He also acknowledged the contrast between practice and match play. “I do think I’m playing well at the moment, but that’s in practice. In games I’m a bit nervous because I feel like I’m trying too hard, but that comes with the territory you’re in.”

For Menzies, the modern game has evolved far beyond its past image. “It just shows we’re not just pub players anymore. We’re professional athletes. I hate saying athletes when you see the shape of us, but it’s a proper sport now.”

With that growth comes increased pressure. “The game is massive and you don’t realise the pressure when things aren’t going right. It’s a dark place to be in.”

That is why support systems such as the PDPA are so important, even if he cannot fully judge the entire structure. “I don’t know the full system so I can’t really judge it overall. But for what they’ve done for me, I’d say it’s been great.”

While there is still work to do, Menzies is clearly optimistic about both his life and his darts. “Life’s good at the moment. The sun’s shining, which is a big thing – especially as a Scotsman, you don’t get that very often. I feel like I’m in a good place.”