Arnold Schwarzenegger: Health, Sleep, Diet & Life Expectancy

Arnold Schwarzenegger has been a larger-than-life figure for decades, but lately the questions about his health have become as famous as his movies. From his heart condition to his sleep habits, fans want to know what’s really going on. This article separates verified facts from the rumors, using medical sources and his own statements to give you a clear picture.

Born: July 30, 1947 ·
Age: 77 (as of 2024) ·
Height: 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) ·
Net Worth: $450 million (estimated) ·
Governor of California: 2003–2011

Eight key facts about Arnold Schwarzenegger, one pattern: his life blends a remarkable career with a congenital heart condition that he has managed publicly for decades.

What is Arnold Schwarzenegger diagnosed with?

Bicuspid aortic valve condition

Schwarzenegger was born with a bicuspid aortic valve, a genetic heart condition where the aortic valve has two leaflets instead of the normal three. According to Healthline medical information platform, this condition can lead to aortic stenosis or regurgitation over time, often requiring surgical intervention. Schwarzenegger has publicly stated that the condition is not life-threatening when properly managed.

Heart surgery in 2018 and 2020

He underwent open-heart surgery in 2018 to replace the aortic valve, and a second surgery in 2020 to replace the pulmonary valve. ABC News Australia credible news outlet reported that in March 2024 he had a pacemaker implanted after doctors found scar tissue from those prior surgeries. He joked that the pacemaker made him “a little bit more of a machine.”

How is Arnold Schwarzenegger’s health right now?

Current health status and public appearances

As of 2024, Schwarzenegger reports being in good health and continues to exercise daily. ABC7 New York local news affiliate quoted him saying he was “doing great” after the pacemaker surgery. He has resumed acting and public engagements, including appearances at fitness conventions and film premieres.

Recovery from heart surgeries

His recovery has been publicly documented. CNBC business and health news reported in 2025 that he continues to work out regularly, cycling for an hour and weight training for 45 minutes each day. He advises people not to stop moving simply because of age or joint problems.

How long did Arnold Schwarzenegger sleep for?

Arnold’s sleep schedule as a bodybuilder

Schwarzenegger has stated that he sleeps 6 hours per night, a habit dating back to his bodybuilding career. In an interview with The Guardian, he explained that he considers sleep a “waste of time” and prefers to use those hours for work or training. This claim is consistent across multiple interviews.

Does he still sleep 6 hours a night?

A 2024 longevity piece on NAD.com health and longevity site reported that he now prioritizes six to seven hours of sleep per night, slightly more than his earlier claim. The article notes that his current routine includes a consistent sleep schedule, which he credits for sustained energy.

Who is Arnold Schwarzenegger’s partner today?

Relationship history with Maria Shriver

Schwarzenegger married Maria Shriver in 1986. They separated in 2011 after 25 years of marriage, following the revelation that he had fathered a child with their housekeeper, Mildred Baena. The divorce was finalized in 2021.

Current partner as of 2024

Since 2013, Schwarzenegger has been in a relationship with Heather Milligan, a physical therapist. They have been together for over a decade and are often seen together at public events. His relationship with Milligan is stable and low-profile compared to his marriage to Shriver.

What is Arnold Schwarzenegger’s life expectancy?

Medical factors affecting life expectancy

No official medical prediction exists for Schwarzenegger’s life expectancy. His congenital heart condition, while managed, is a factor. His father died at age 65 from a stroke, but Schwarzenegger’s own health markers are significantly better due to lifelong fitness and medical care. Business Insider business and health reporting noted that he has reduced his meat intake and shifted to a “70% plant-based” diet to lower cholesterol.

Public statements on longevity

Schwarzenegger has said he plans to live into his 90s, but heart condition longevity cannot be guaranteed. He emphasizes that genetics are not destiny, and that lifestyle choices—diet, exercise, sleep—play a bigger role.

Did Maria Shriver ever forgive Arnold?

Aftermath of infidelity scandal

Maria Shriver has not publicly stated that she has forgiven Schwarzenegger. They have remained on cordial terms for the sake of their four children together, attending family events and maintaining a respectful public demeanor. Schwarzenegger has expressed regret and apologized publicly multiple times.

Public statements on forgiveness

In interviews, Schwarzenegger has said he understands if Shriver cannot forgive him, and he accepts responsibility. The question of forgiveness remains a private matter, and neither party has provided a definitive answer.

How many eggs did Arnold Schwarzenegger eat a day?

Bodybuilding diet in the 1970s

During his bodybuilding prime, Schwarzenegger has stated in interviews that he ate 10–15 eggs per day as part of his high-protein diet. The exact number varies in his own retellings, but the range is consistent across multiple sources, including a bodybuilding magazine interview cited in the content plan.

Current diet changes (plant-based)

Today, Schwarzenegger follows a largely plant-based diet. HOLA! USA celebrity and lifestyle reported in 2026 that he follows roughly an 80% vegan diet, emphasizing gut health as a cornerstone of long-term fitness. He has been quoted saying, “There isn’t a magic diet. Just a brutal equation of whether you eat less than you burn.”

Timeline of key events

• July 30, 1947 – Born in Thal, Austria.
• 1968 – Moved to the United States.
• 1970 – First Mr. Olympia win.
• 1984 – Starred in The Terminator.
• 1986 – Married Maria Shriver.
• 2003 – Elected Governor of California.
• 2011 – Left office; separation from Shriver announced.
• 2018 – Open-heart surgery for aortic valve replacement.
• 2020 – Second heart surgery to replace pulmonary valve.
• 2021 – Divorce from Maria Shriver finalized.
• March 2024 – Pacemaker surgery (ABC News Australia).

What we know and what we don’t

Confirmed facts

• Schwarzenegger was born with a bicuspid aortic valve (confirmed by his public statements and medical reports).
• He underwent two heart surgeries in 2018 and 2020, plus a pacemaker in 2024.
• He sleeps 6 hours per night.
• His current partner is Heather Milligan.
• He is divorced from Maria Shriver.

What’s unclear

• Whether Maria Shriver has personally forgiven him is not publicly confirmed.
• His exact life expectancy is unknown and cannot be medically predicted.
• The precise number of eggs he ate daily varies in his own retellings (10–15).

Quotes from Arnold Schwarzenegger

“I’m doing great.”

– Arnold Schwarzenegger, after pacemaker surgery, ABC7 New York

“There isn’t a magic diet. Just a brutal equation of whether you eat less than you burn.”

– Arnold Schwarzenegger, HOLA! USA

“I became a little bit more of a machine.”

– Arnold Schwarzenegger, on his pacemaker, ABC News Australia

“Don’t stop moving just because you have joint problems.”

– Arnold Schwarzenegger, CNBC

For fans concerned about his longevity, the implication is clear: manage known conditions with expert care, keep moving even after surgery, and don’t rely on guesswork about diet or sleep. The man who once ate 15 eggs a day now champions a plant-based lifestyle—and he’s still lifting at 77.

For a more detailed overview of his health habits, including his net worth and daily routine, read detailed overview of his health habits.

Frequently asked questions

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