76-Year-Old 'Terminator' with Mechanical Heart Implant: "I Really Feel Like a Robot"

Congenital Heart Defect... Multiple Surgeries Performed
Artificial Pacemaker Implanted... "Condition is Good"

Hollywood actor Arnold Schwarzenegger (76), who starred as the protagonist in the movie 'Terminator,' has reportedly had a pacemaker implanted in his heart. This was done to treat a heart condition. On the 25th (local time), Schwarzenegger revealed on his podcast channel that he underwent pacemaker implantation surgery a week ago. He had similar surgeries in 2018 and 2020 as well.

Arnold Schwarzenegger's heart surgery scene in 2020 [Image source= SNS capture]

In fact, Schwarzenegger was born with a congenital heart condition. The disease he suffers from is called 'bicuspid aortic valve,' a congenital heart defect where the aortic valve consists of two leaflets instead of three. The aortic valve is located between the aorta and the left ventricle of the heart, preventing blood in the aorta from flowing back into the left ventricle.

A normal heart has three leaflets that make up the aortic valve. However, in a bicuspid aortic valve, two of these leaflets are fused together, making it difficult for the valve to function properly. Especially as one ages and changes occur in the aortic valve, it can lead to heart disease.

Schwarzenegger first underwent heart surgery in 1997. Since then, he has had additional heart surgeries, including one in 2018 that nearly cost him his life.

Schwarzenegger shared the story on his podcast last September. He recalled, "While undergoing a non-incisional procedure to replace the valve, a serious mistake by the doctor caused a tear in the heart wall. My life was in danger, and they had to open my heart quickly."

After the surgery, he focused on recovery to prevent aftereffects. Thanks to this, his physical condition improved enough for him to return to the filming set of 'Terminator 6' just three months after rehabilitation exercises. Schwarzenegger explained, "I had to be able to move, run, lift things, do fight scenes, and all that. I also switched to a plant-based diet."

Meanwhile, the surgery performed on the 25th was reportedly successful. Schwarzenegger said, "Having a machine installed in my heart really makes me feel like a robot," adding, "After five days, I felt completely fine."