“Was the First Time I Heard”: Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Mother Kept a Life-Threatening Family Secret Until the Doctors Unveiled the Truth in the Late ’70S

75-year-old Arnold Schwarzenegger loves to stay fit and healthy. Coming from the generation of pioneering bodybuilders, Arnold revolutionized the sport and became the youngest title winner of Mr. Olympia. Winning the coveted title six consecutive times, the road to Arnie’s success may look glorious, but it was not easy. It was not just his professional ups and downs but also his health concern that he had to deal with.

Born with a severe heart illness, Arnold never realized that his condition could otherwise have an underlying reason. When his mother went for a checkup, Arnold discovered an unknown fact. Something that helped him connect the missing dots.

Arnold talked about his mother’s health issues

When Arnold sat down for an interview with Graham Bensinger in 2016, the latter was asked what prompted him to think about undergoing a heart operation after filming “True Lies.” Speaking about the reasons, Arnie took the host back in time. Sharing the incident that involved his mother, Arnold said, “My mother had a heart problem, so I took her to UCLA one day.”

It was there that Arnold was told that she had a valve problem. As doctors continued the checkup and enquired whether anyone from the family had any similar issues, Aurelia, much to Arnold’s surprise, said yes. She revealed that her mother had heart problems.

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Shocked by such a revelation, Arnold said, “It was the first time I heard” He learned that his grandmother, too, had a valve problem, and she died at age 67. The doctors recommended that Arnold should undergo a checkup and take his health seriously. The doctors pointed out that it was “obviously something that’s been passed down.” 

Arnold Schwarzenegger and his struggle with health 

The Terminator actor had to have another heart surgery in 2020, making it his third procedure of the kind. The details of the procedure were shared on social media. For those unversed, Schwarzenegger has had two prior heart operations, one of which was an open surgery two years ago to replace a pulmonary valve that facilitates blood passage from the heart to the lungs. The first one was in 1997; he had a pulmonary valve replacement surgery.

Despite the numerous setbacks that Arnold faced, he never gave up his will to live a healthy and fuller life. He visits the gym regularly. Arnold works hard, maintains a healthy lifestyle, and follows a proper diet. He is truly an inspiration!

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