Rick Harrison , the 61-year-old star of the History Channel series Pawn Stars, is currently recovering from emergency bypass surgery. The medical emergency occurred after a routine stent procedure uncovered a significant heart issue, as reported by TMZ.
A routine stent procedure turns into emergency bypass surgery
The medical crisis began when doctors attempted a standard stent procedure on the Las Vegas-based businessman. According to a family spokesperson, the routine check-up uncovered a serious heart issue that required immediate surgical intervention. While the surgery was successful, the sudden shift from a minor procedure to life-saving bypass surgery highlights the unexpected nature of the health crisis.
Harrison is currently resting comfortably and is working toward a complete recovery, according to an insider cited by the report. The transition from a routine procedure to an emergency operation underscores the potential volatility of cardiovascular health, even for those undergoing preventative care.
The support of 42-year-old wife Angie Polushkin
Angie Polushkin, a Las Vegas nurse and Harrison's wife of eight months, has been a primary source of support during his recovery. The couple wed this past January at Las Vegas's Little White Chapel, with an Elvis Presley impersonator leading the ceremony. Polushkin, who is nearly two decades younger than Harrison, has been a central figure in his recent life, following their engagement in Chile earlier this year.
The couple's recent history includes a high-profile engagement in Chile, where Harrison proposed with a 6.5-carat ring at a winery. Following their wedding, the newlyweds celebrated at Harrison's own establishment, Rick's Rollin Smoke BBQ & Tavern. Polushkin's professional background as a nurse provides a unique layer of support as Harrison navigates his post-operative care.
The medical crisis follows the 2024 loss of son Adam Harrison
This health emergency arrives during a period of significant personal hardship for the Harrison family.. The businessman has faced several recent tragedies, including the 2024 death of his son, Adam Harrison,due to accidental fentanyl and methamphetamine toxicity. This loss was part of a wider series of family bereavements that have impacted the Pawn Stars star over the last decade.
In addition to the loss of his son, Harrison has navigated the passing of his father, Richard Harrison, from Parkinson's disease, and his mother, Joanne Harrison, in November 2025. His personal life has also been marked by multiple previous marriages, including unions with Tracy Harrison, Kim Harrison , Deanna Burditt, and Amanda Palmer.
The missing details of the discovered heart condition
While the surgery was successful, several specific details regardiing Harrison's long-term prognosis remain unverified. It is currently unclear how the discovered heart issue might affect his ability to continue filming Pawn Stars or managing his various business interests in the Las Vegas area.
Furthermore, the specific medical nature of the "serious issue" found during the initial stent procedure has not been publicly disclosed by his medical team or representatives. Observers are also left wondering about the involvement of other family members, such as his son Corey, who resides in Mexico, in his long-term care plan.
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