Reform Party secretary Kristo Enn Vaga reveals heart rhythm disorder diagnosis

Estonian parliament member and Reform Party Secretary General Kristo Enn Vaga has shared details of a health scare that unfolded live on the ETV program "Esimene stuudio." After saying "Good evening!" he was unable to continue the broadcast coherently, lost consciousness several times, and was taken by ambulance to hospital for examination.

Vaga thanked the ambulance crew and the staff at the East Tallinn Central Hospital (ITK), as well as everyone who reached out with support afterward.

Diagnosis dates back to last spring

He revealed that he was actually diagnosed with a heart rhythm disorder last spring, but had been reluctant to talk about it publicly, feeling embarrassed that a young, seemingly healthy and athletic person like himself could have such an issue. The diagnosis followed repeated Apple Watch notifications flagging atrial fibrillation. He credited the technology, along with the persistent efforts of doctors — including the late physician Le Vallikivi — who convinced him that even a former professional athlete in his twenties needed a cardiologist's referral and evaluation.

Vaga recalled a conversation with a nurse in the cardiology ward of North Estonia Medical Centre (PERH), where despite describing his healthy habits, he was told he was nonetheless spending a second day under cardiology observation. Doctors explained that he has what amounts to a disruption in the heart's electrical system, which under high strain can cause abnormally high heart rates or pauses.

He stressed the condition does not interfere with his everyday life, but said the incident served as a wake-up call about pacing himself. Vaga apologized to the show's hosts and colleagues for cutting the discussion short and thanked family and friends for their support. He said he will likely withdraw from a half-marathon planned for Saturday and intends to pay closer attention to his health going forward, urging others to do the same.