Arnold Schwarzenegger Was Born With a Serious Heart Illness That Caused His Mother’s Demise in 1998: “Obviously Something That’s Been Passed Down.”

It may have been years since Arnold Schwarzenegger left professional bodybuilding, but whenever the sport is mentioned, his name pops up. One of the finest athletes who ever walked on the bodybuilding stage, Arnie is a known face. Having won seven Mr. Olympia titles, he is still praised for his exceptional physique and unquestionable prowess.

However, one should never assume that he was naturally fit. In his life, Schwarzenegger has faced numerous challenges. Be it professional hurdles or deteriorating health, Arnie had several downs. For the unversed, Arnold was born with a hereditary heart condition he got from his mother. Back in 2016, he sat down for a talk with Graham Bensinger, where he talked about his mother’s illness and his own health.

That one thing that Arnold wished he did not inherit 

As Graham asked Arnie what made him think about undergoing a heart operation after filming “True Lies.” The actor took the host some years down memory lane. Talking about his mother, he said, “My mother had a heart problem, so I took her to UCLA one day. They told her that she has a valve problem. The method of two of her valves didn’t really work well.”

It was during his mother’s check-up that he, for the first time, learned that even his grandmother had valve problems. When the doctors asked Arnold’s mother whether or not anyone else from the family suffered from the same, her reply even shocked Arnie. Quoting her words, he said, “My mother had a valve problem, and she died at the of 67.”

Read More: “I Hated That”: Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Parents Made Him Pay for His Own Food During His Childhood Days, Bodybuilding Legend Revealed In 2016.

The doctors then realized that the heart alignment was “obviously something that’s been passed down.” On learning about this, the doctors advised, “Arnold, you better get your heart checked regularly.” Because of this, in 1998, his mother collapsed after a heart attack.

Arnold Schwarzenegger and his health struggles

As recent as 2020, The Terminator star had to undergo another heart surgery which was his third surgery for the same. He revealed the details of this with his fans over social media. For the unversed, Schwarzenegger has undergone two previous heart operations, including an open procedure to replace a pulmonary valve that aids blood flow from the heart to the lungs two years ago. In 1997, he also underwent pulmonary valve replacement.

Having seen difficult times,  Arnold urged individuals to maintain a healthy lifestyle. He advocates a healthy lifestyle and promotes staying fit. He may have seen tough times, but Arnold chose to strive back. By maintaining his mental fortitude, Schwarzenegger persevered through one of his worst periods of physical hardship.

Watch This Story: Mr. Olympia Legends Arnold Schwarzenegger Vs. Ronnie Coleman Body Comparision