Cleveland, Ohio – Former actor and politician Arnold Schwarzenegger is in good spirits following his recent surgery at the renowned Cleveland Clinic. The 76-year-old shared details of his procedure on his podcast, Arnold’s Pump Club, revealing that he underwent surgery to receive a pacemaker. Despite the surgery on Monday, March 18th, Schwarzenegger was already attending an environmental event with Jane Fonda by Friday, March 22nd.
Schwarzenegger humorously referred to himself as “a little bit more of a machine” after the surgery and expressed gratitude to the medical team at the Cleveland Clinic for their exceptional care. In the podcast, he opened up about his health struggles, including a genetic heart issue that has necessitated multiple surgeries throughout the years.
Growing up in a culture where medical issues were not openly discussed, Schwarzenegger explained that he chose to share his experiences to inspire others dealing with similar challenges. He revealed that both his mother and grandmother passed away from heart issues, with his own heart surgeries becoming necessary due to the genetic condition.
In 1997, Schwarzenegger underwent his first valve replacement surgery, followed by another procedure in 2018 and 2020. The recent need for a pacemaker arose from irregular heartbeats caused by scar tissue from previous surgeries, a condition that had been monitored through regular check-ups at the Cleveland Clinic.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, a pacemaker helps regulate abnormal heart rhythms and prevent potentially life-threatening issues. Schwarzenegger emphasized the importance of transparency in discussing his health journey, encouraging others to prioritize their well-being and follow their doctors’ advice.
Despite facing challenges due to his genetic heart condition, Schwarzenegger remains positive and hopes to inspire others to take charge of their health. The full podcast detailing his recent surgery and reflections on his health journey is available for listening for those seeking further insights.