According to recent reports, world-renowned actor and bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger has revealed that he has undergone surgery to receive a pacemaker. The 76-year-old former “Terminator” star announced the news on his podcast, “Arnold’s Pump Club,” where he also opened up about his previous heart surgeries to correct an aortic valve.
Although the actor jokingly said that he is now “part man, part machine,” he also took a serious tone and encouraged others to be transparent about their health issues as it can give courage and hope to those undergoing similar treatments.
Schwarzenegger, who was born with a bicuspid aortic valve, shared that talking about his medical journey goes against his upbringing in Austria where healthcare issues were kept private. However, he received numerous messages from people who were also born with a similar condition and were inspired by his openness.
The actor also reminded his followers to never skip regular checkups with their doctors, as it was his physicians who advised him to undergo the surgery immediately due to an irregular heartbeat caused by scar tissue from his previous surgeries.
The surgery, which took place last Monday, was carried out at the Cleveland Clinic, and Schwarzenegger expressed his gratitude towards the medical team for their exceptional care. He admitted that going through with the surgery was the right decision, as it has improved his overall health.
He also shared that he has been dealing with this genetic issue for years and would visit his doctors annually for checkups. According to the actor, living with a genetic heart condition has been challenging, but he never complains.
In his previous surgeries, Schwarzenegger had a pulmonary valve replaced and underwent heart surgery in 1997. However, the recent surgery was to replace his aortic valve. The actor also mentioned how his doctors were determined to monitor his heart closely and check for any changes or irregularities. They also advised him that it was time to proceed with the surgery as the scar tissue from his previous surgery was causing an irregular heartbeat.
Despite the surgery, Schwarzenegger has shown no signs of slowing down. He posted a photo from his hospital bed on Instagram and attended a public event with his friend and fellow fitness enthusiast, Jane Fonda, just four days after the surgery.
The actor also took this opportunity to give a special shoutout to Fonda, who is 10 years older than him but still going strong. He commended her for being a living example of how exercise can slow down the aging process.
Schwarzenegger’s transparency about his health has inspired many individuals dealing with similar issues. The actor has shown resilience and has continued to pursue his passions despite his medical setbacks. He hopes that by sharing his story, he can encourage others to prioritize their health and never skip checkups with their doctors. Fans of the “Terminator” star can rest assured that he will continue to be a formidable force in the entertainment industry, even with his new pacemaker.
