Arnold Schwarzenegger Undergoes Surgery to Get Pacemaker

Arnold Schwarzenegger speaks onstage at an event in London, England, on Oct. 24, 2023. Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for Fane

In a recent episode of his podcast, “Arnold’s Pump Club,” Arnold Schwarzenegger jumped into a deeply personal topic: his health journey.

Moving beyond the usual discussions of fitness and bodybuilding, the 76-year-old actor, bodybuilder, and former governor of California opted for a candid conversation about a recent surgery.

“Last Monday, I had surgery to become a little bit more of a machine: I got a pacemaker,” Mr. Schwarzenegger revealed, injecting a touch of humor with the statement, referencing his iconic “Terminator” role. “I want to thank my whole team at the Cleveland Clinic. All of the doctors and nurses took amazing care of me and made the surgery as painless as possible.”

Mr. Schwarzenegger has been open in discussing his long history of heart issues, stemming from a genetic condition that necessitated valve replacements in 1997, 2018, and 2020. Mr. Schwarzenegger disclosed that both he and his mother and grandmother had issues with their aortic valve.

The aortic valve serves as one of the heart’s four valves regulating blood flow. Positioned between the left ventricle of the heart and the body’s primary artery, the aorta, it facilitates the separation of these crucial cardiovascular chambers. According to the Mayo Clinic, when the heart contracts, the aortic valve opens, allowing blood to move from the left ventricle into the aorta. Conversely, when the heart relaxes, the aortic valve closes to prevent blood from flowing backward.

A compromised aortic valve, whether due to disease or damage, can impede blood flow, placing additional strain on the heart as it endeavors to pump blood throughout the body.

Treatment options such as aortic valve repair or replacement aim to enhance blood circulation, alleviate symptoms associated with heart valve disorders, and extend life expectancy.

Proactive Medical Intervention

He shared a personal anecdote about his mother’s death in 1998, which he said is a powerful reminder of the value of proactive medical intervention.

The decision to undergo the recent surgery was prompted by a routine check-up before attending the Arnold Sports Festival. His doctor advised immediate action, especially with filming commitments approaching, motivating Mr. Schwarzenegger to proceed swiftly with the procedure.

Despite the temporary limitation on his gym workouts, Mr. Schwarzenegger expressed his determination to return to full health for upcoming projects. He acknowledged the significance of openly discussing his health journey, particularly in inspiring others facing similar challenges.

Mr. Schwarzenegger candidly admitted that he was not raised to be open about his personal medical issues, but he emphasized the importance of transparency, particularly within the community of his podcast subscribers.

“I have to tell you, just saying this to all of you goes against so much of my upbringing in Austria, where nobody—ever—talked about medical issues. Everything related to health care was kept to yourself,” he said. Encouraging openness and support, he affirmed the strength of collective resilience in overcoming obstacles.

“This village is a place for us to be open and honest because it’s impossible to be truly positive when you keep everything bottled up,” Mr. Schwarzenegger affirmed. “That’s what ‘Arnold’s Pump Club’ is all about. You are never alone here.”