Underwent Surgery for New Aortic Valve

In October 2020, Arnold Schwarzenegger underwent heart surgery at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio to replace his aortic valve, a procedure related to his congenital bicuspid aortic valve condition. The condition, present since birth, involves the aortic valve having two leaflets instead of the typical three, which can lead to progressive valve dysfunction over time. The operation replaced a valve that had originally been implanted during his 1997 heart surgery. The procedure was described as successful and minimally invasive, consistent with a transcatheter aortic valve replacement approach that typically allows shorter recovery times than open heart surgery. Shortly after the operation, Schwarzenegger posted an update from Cleveland, writing that he was “feeling fantastic” and sharing photos of himself walking outdoors and visiting local statues. His quick mobility following the procedure reflected the less invasive nature of the intervention compared with traditional open heart surgery. This operation marked Schwarzenegger’s third major heart related surgery. In 1997, he underwent surgery to replace both his aortic and pulmonary valves, choosing a biological valve rather than a mechanical one. In 2018, he required another procedure to replace the pulmonary valve. The October 2020 operation addressed the aging aortic valve from the earlier surgery and was part of ongoing treatment related to his congenital heart condition.