“Started Collecting Blood in Your Lungs”: Just After Making $25,000,000 From His Highest-Paying Movie, Arnold Schwarzenegger Nearly Died Due to a Failed Heart Surgery

In 1997 Arnold Schwarzenegger was shooting for the movie ‘Batman & Robin’ along with spending time with his mother and family. He didn’t realize that tough times were awaiting him ahead. Most bodybuilding fans might not be aware of the Governator’s heart complications which made him go under the knife thrice.

In the recent Arnold docuseries on Netflix, the Terminator star opened up about how the events unfolded when he had to undergo a surgical procedure. He further added how his mother reacted to his hospitalization.

Arnold Schwarzenegger reminisces doctor’s words in 1997

In Episode 2,’ Actor,’ of Netflix Docuseries, Arnie revealed an Austrian thing. “In Austria, there’s two things you don’t talk about ever. About your finances with anyone and about your health problems,” he said. After shooting for his highest-paying movie ( $25,000,000 for the role), Mr. Freeze was relaxing with his mother and family. 

Maria Shriver, then-wife of Schwarzenegger, informed Aurelia, her mother-in-law, that Arnie was admitted to the hospital for heart surgery. After gaining consciousness from the first procedure, the bodybuilder was informed that it didn’t work out. “Arnold, I’m so sorry. It didn’t work. One of the valves blew out, and you started collecting blood in your lungs,“ FUBAR star recollected the doctor’s words in the show.

He was immediately prepared for a second procedure while his doctor stated, “I don’t want to lose you,” prior to the surgery. The second procedure was successful, and the Governator regained consciousness after 16 hours. However, Aurelia Schwarzenegger was upset with his son for not disclosing his health condition. Arnie suffers from a heart condition that is passed on from his mother. 

Austrian Oak’s mom died of a similar heart condition

In 2016, the ‘Commando’ actor spoke about how he learned about the valve problem that runs in the family in a candid interview with Graham Bensinger. “My mother had a heart problem, so I took her to UCLA one day,” he told the host.

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He even learned that his maternal grandmother also suffered from the same condition. So, the doctor suggested Arnie go through a checkup to be on the safer side, as it was clear that the valve problem was genetic. In episode 2, he further revealed that his mother died on his dad’s grave due to the same valve condition.

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Arnold Schwarzenegger had to undergo two more surgeries in 2018 and 2020. The 75-year-old now focuses on maintaining his health and workouts regularly.