Arnold Schwarzenegger, the iconic “Terminator” star and former governor of California, recently shared a candid update on his health journey. In a heartfelt episode of his podcast, “Arnold’s Pump Club,” the 76-year-old revealed that he underwent surgery for a pacemaker, humorously quipping that he’s now “a little bit more of a machine.”
Despite the surgical procedure, Schwarzenegger’s resilience shines through as he declared, “I’m doing great.” Remarkably, just days after the surgery, he was back in action, attending a significant environmental event alongside his friend and fellow fitness advocate, Jane Fonda.
Schwarzenegger’s health journey traces back to a congenital heart defect known as a bicuspid aortic valve, a condition he was born with. Explaining the intricacies of his condition, he revealed that while a normal aortic valve has three cusps, his only has two. This anomaly necessitated open heart surgery in 1997 to replace his heart valves, followed by subsequent surgeries in 2018 and 2020.
The need for Schwarzenegger’s latest procedure stemmed from scar tissue from previous surgeries, causing irregularities in his heartbeat. Adhering to his doctors’ advice, he remained vigilant about his health, continuously monitoring his heart rate and sharing vital information with his medical team.
Reflecting on his decision to undergo the pacemaker surgery, Schwarzenegger light-heartedly attributed it to his medical team’s desire for “many more seasons” of his Netflix show, “Fubar.” Despite limitations on his gym training, he wasted no time in returning to his regular routine, seamlessly blending back into his work commitments.
In a poignant moment, Schwarzenegger acknowledged the cultural barriers surrounding discussions about health, particularly reflecting on his Austrian upbringing where medical issues were seldom openly addressed. However, spurred on by the encouragement of fans facing similar health challenges, he bravely chose to defy convention and share his journey with the world.
Schwarzenegger’s transparency extends beyond personal anecdotes as he candidly disclosed his family history, revealing that his mother and grandmother’s struggles with bicuspid valves ultimately led to their demise. Despite his mother’s refusal to undergo valve replacement surgery, Schwarzenegger’s proactive approach to his health stands as a testament to his determination to defy the odds.
In a message of solidarity to those grappling with their own health battles, Schwarzenegger offers words of encouragement, reminding listeners that they are not alone in their struggles. Urging individuals to prioritize their health and heed medical advice, he hopes to inspire others to confront their fears and take charge of their well-being. “I know a lot of you are probably dealing with your own health challenges, and I want you to know you aren’t alone,” he said.
“And if you’re putting something off out of fear, I hope I inspire you to listen to your doctors and take care of yourself.”
