Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan died of a heart attack but was also battling cancer

Hulk Hogan had a secret battle with cancer.

The 71-year-old wrestler passed away last week and it has now been confirmed he died from acute myocardial infarction, more commonly known as a heart attack, which is when blood flow to the heart muscle is suddenly blocked.

However, documents obtained by the New York Post’s Page Six column showed Hogan – whose real name was Terry Bollea – had a history of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), a type of cancer affecting white blood cells, though this was never made public.

He also had a history of a heart condition called atrial fibrillation (AFib), which is characterised by an irregular and often rapid heart rate.

Hogan’s death has been ruled due to natural causes.

The medical details were provided by the Pinellas County Forensic Science Center in a cremation summary approval report.

A spokesperson for the medical examiner’s office said: “I am not aware when Mr Bollea will be cremated, only that we received a request for cremation approval.”

Hogan went into cardiac arrest at his Florida home on July 24 and was taken to Morton Plant Hospital by ambulance, but was pronounced dead at the medical facility.

His representatives confirmed at the time: “Unfortunately, we must confirm that Terry Bollea, aka Hulk Hogan, passed away this morning.

“We are heartbroken. He was such a great human being and friend.”

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Hogan had undergone neck surgery in May and had been subject to rumours his health was in decline.

Just a few weeks before his death, the WWE star’s spouse Sky Daily attempted to quash the speculation.

She wrote on social media: “No, he’s definitely not in a coma! His heart is strong, and there was never any lack of oxygen or brain damage. None of those rumors are true.

“[He is] recovering from a major four-level Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusin (ACDF), which is an intense surgery with a long and layered healing process.

“He’s healing and we’re taking it one day at a time with love, strength and patience.”