Mick Jagger could have died but for a lucky escape, his brother reveals today.
The 75-year-old Rolling Stones star had emergency heart valve replacement surgery last week.
And younger brother Chris, 71, said Sir Mick is only here thanks to a routine check-up.
The undetected heart condition – like one which killed The Clash star Joe Strummer when he was just 50 – was spotted on a scan.
Chris told the Sunday People: “Mick is doing OK. I spoke to him... he’s good. It just showed up on a scan so it could happen to anybody, you know.
“It happened to Joe. He came back from walking the dogs and his wife found him collapsed on the sofa. He had this valve problem.
“His father died from it. It was hereditary. With Mick it came on a check-up.
Mick Jagger breaks silence after heart operation telling fans he's "on the mend"
“That is why when you get to a certain age they want to check for this, check for that. You get to 70, you got to be careful, you know.
“I’ve had a few health issues. At least he has not got to wait in line for the NHS.”
The Stones had to cancel US gigs because of Mick’s op. And Chris added: “Maybe he will slow down. Touring is a pressure.”
Mick said on Friday that he was “on the mend” and “feeling much better”. He thanked hospital staff “for a superb job” – and told fans he will be back “as soon as I can”.
Alesha Dixon says Ant is 'final piece in the puzzle' for Britain's Got Talent
Chris – who has a deal with Universal to write a behind-the-scenes book on the Stones – said fans’ support was “touching”.
And he is getting back on stage himself when his group – the Chris Jagger Band – plays The Brentham Club in Ealing, West London on Friday, April 26. His CD Chris Jagger: All The Best, featuring Mick Jagger, is out now on BMG.
