-1734609049428.jpg?w=1200&resize=1200,0&ssl=1 "Arnold Schwarzenegger Once Had A Bicuspid Aortic Valve: What Are Its Symptoms and Treatment")
Terminator actor Arnold Schwarzenegger once had Bicuspid Aortic Valve (BAV). Read ahead as our expert share more details about the medical condition.
Arnold Schwarzenegger, a multifaceted personality, has faced significant health challenges that have shaped his life beyond Hollywood. Among many health challenges is a congenital heart defect known as bicuspid aortic valve (BAV), a condition that has necessitated multiple surgeries and a lifelong commitment to health management.
By openly discussing his experiences, Schwarzenegger has raised awareness about BAV. While the journey of Arnold serves as an inspiration, our expert, Dr Prashant Pawar, Consultant Interventional Cardiology, Fortis Hiranandani Hospital Vashi, offered more details about the bicuspid aortic valve (BAV).
What Is Bicuspid Aortic Valve (BAV)?
-1734610127517.jpg "Bicuspid Aortic Valve (BAV)?")
According to our expert, Dr Prashant Pawar, the bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is a congenital heart defect where there are only two aortic leaflets instead of three. Detailing about the condition, he said, “Genetics plays an important role in BAV, as it is present from birth and can go unnoticed until diagnosed later in life. The global incidence rate of BAV is 1-2 per cent, whereas Indians have a higher incidence rate with approx. 2:1 male-to-female ratio.”
BAV is associated with heart conditions such as aortic stenosis, aortic regurgitation, dissection of the aorta, and infective endocarditis affecting the blood flow from the heart to the aorta. Over time calcification and fibrosis of the aortic valve can lead to stenosis (narrowing) and regurgitation (leakage) in the aorta.
What Are Symptoms Of Bicuspid Aortic Valve (BAV)?
The symptoms of bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) typically arise when the valve begins to malfunction due to stenosis (narrowing) or regurgitation (leakage). Dr Pawar emphasises that regular monitoring is essential for asymptomatic cases to detect complications early. According to him, the symptoms usually vary as per the age group.
- Infants and children: Bluish skin (cyanosis), feeding issues, or failure to gain weight.
- Adults: Chest pain, tightness, breathing difficulty, fatigue, dizziness, fainting, and heart murmur (abnormal heart sound ).
How To Diagnose BAV?
The diagnosis of bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) primarily involves a comprehensive evaluation. It includes a combination of patient history, physical examination, and advanced imaging techniques. The most critical tool for diagnosing BAV is the 2D echocardiogram, which reveals the presence of two valve leaflets instead of the normal three. This imaging technique uses sound waves to create detailed images of the heart’s structure and function, allowing healthcare providers to assess blood flow through the heart and evaluate any associated abnormalities.
What Is The Treatment Of Bicuspid Aortic Valve (BAV)?
In terms of treatment, medications are used to relieve symptoms e.g. beta blockers and diuretics to manage fluid overload. Valve repair or replacement surgery can be an effective treatment for BAV. The replacement can be done through two types one can be open heart surgery and the other can be a less invasive keyhole procedure TAVR.
Open-heart surgery involves a large incision in the chest to directly access the heart. The damaged valve is removed and replaced with either a mechanical or biological valve. While effective, this method typically requires a longer recovery time and carries higher risks.
On the other hand, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a minimally invasive procedure suitable for patients at higher risk for traditional surgery. It involves inserting a new valve through a small incision, often in the groin, using catheters guided to the heart. This approach reduces recovery time and minimizes trauma to the body.
A very ‘Christmas’ appearance
The actor and politician looked really strange, or at least very different from how he usually appears in public, as he had considerably dyed his hair and beard, and was seen wearing an uggly sweater and very Christmassy colors in his coat and hat, while walking the streets of the Big Apple always flanked by five bodyguards.
All the speculation is because photos appeared of the former governor of California with this look and no one knew what he was doing in NY walking around like that. The reality is that the actor is shooting a movie, whose character looks totally contrary to his iconic role as the futuristic android in ‘Terminator’, but coincides with his new farmer and carefree self.
The film ‘The Bag Man’ is directed by Adam Shankman, and in it, Schwarzenegger plays Santa Claus, sharing credits with Alan Ritchson, known for his role in the series ‘Reacher’.
This is the actor’s first Christmas movie since ‘Jingle All The Way’ in 1996 and his first since ‘Terminator: Dark Fate’ in 2019
Schwarzenegger has said he is very happy to be involved in this project despite what is said about him on social media, as a large number of comments allude to the fact that he looks like a real decrepit old man, although in truth at 77 he looks like an ox: “Santa Claus is coming to town! It’s great to be filming The Bag Man with @alanritchson,” said Schwarzenegger, who also praised Shankman as “one of the funniest directors I’ve ever worked with.”
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And despite everything that was said about him in New York, he praised the ‘Big Apple’: “New York City is an amazing host. I can’t wait to share all this Christmas cheer with each and every one of you,” concluded the great ‘Arnie’.
Arnold Schwarzenegger ‘Wants to Live to 100’ and Focusing on Health by ‘Trying to Kick Bad Habits’
Arnold Schwarzenegger is feeling fragile in his older age — especially after the accidents and open-heart surgeries he’s had — but he’s turning a new leaf and practicing more than he preaches these days.
In honor of the Terminator star’s 77th birthday on Tuesday, July 30, Arnold is offering followers and fans a discount on his Pump Club, which offers a daily newsletter about nutrition, fitness and wellness.
“Now that Arnie’s getting up there, he’s virtually obsessed with health and helping others,” a source exclusively tells Closer of the former governor of California.
“He’s up early every day working on his Pump Club newsletter, preaching what he knows, like the benefits of less booze before bedtime and consuming two tablespoons of olive oil daily to lower risk of heart disease,” adds the insider.
“I am proud of our Pump village,” Arnold told Instagram followers on his birthday. “I have seen people lose 100 pounds. I have seen people develop a habit of exercising after years of trying without success. I have seen people lift 500 pounds and set new records in the gym. I have seen people who dreaded their doctor’s appointments feel the relief of a clean bill of health. And I have seen people turn their lives around. When you’re someone like me, and you build an app to modernize a five-decade fitness crusade, you hope that people will love it and use it as a tool to make the progress they’ve always wanted.”
Because Arnold is so focused on his Pump Club, the source tells Closer the former professional bodybuilder is making sure to lead by example.
“He used to be blasé about it but he’s finally trying to kick bad habits, including cigars, because he’s feeling the effects at long last,” the insider reveals. “He’s cutting back on the wine and pasta, not that he over indulged, it was only once a week at most, but he just feels better without the sugar and carbs.”
The Kindergarten Cop actor also got to spend time with spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, and the source says Arnold “learned a lot from his time with” him, adding that “he got to know him well during his days as governor of California.”
The source notes that Arnold is serious about his health in his late ’70s. According to the insider, “Arnie isn’t just blowing hot air; he’s doing these things to increase his own longevity. Arnie wants to live to 100 or more and he’s determined to make it happen no matter how extreme the process.”
As Arnold has told his Instagram followers, “The Pump is real.”
He explained, “There are no fancy well-lit studio exercise videos, there are unseen clips of Pumping Iron exercises mixed in with me and my team walking you through each movement. There are no 30 day programs, or 6 minute abs, there are 90 day programs that lay a foundation and make training a lifestyle. There are no trolls, there is only the positive corner of the internet with a community of people starting wherever they are and lifting each other up. … I promise you’ll be hooked.”
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