11 Celebrities with Congenital Heart Defects

Do you know that there are celebrities with congenital heart defects? A congenital heart defect is a condition that affects the structure of one’s heart. Mostly, this condition happens since a baby is born. According to doctors, this heart defect is the most common type of congenital disability.

Celebrities with Congenital Heart Defects

However, some people may also develop this condition later in their life. Celebrities are also human, and many live with congenital heart conditions. Here are several famous names who’ve been living with congenital heart conditions.

1. Arnold Schwarzenegger

You may know that Arnold Schwarzenegger is one of those people who have peak physique looks. However, he had to see a cardiologist in the 70s due to a family history of heart conditions from his mother and grandmother.

Later, he was diagnosed with a bicuspid aortic valve. This is a condition when the aortic valve only comes with two leaflets. In 2020, Schwarzenegger went through three-valve replacement surgeries.

2. Miley Cyrus

There are quite a lot of celebrities with congenital heart disease and other heart conditions. Miley Cyrus happens to be one of those people who live with a heart condition called tachycardia.

Those with tachycardia will find non-life-threatening events boost one’s heart rhythm. But, unfortunately, it also makes the resting heart rate exceed. As a result, the fast heartbeat affects the blood flow to the entire body.

Fortunately, this condition doesn’t always need considerable treatment. Instead, doctors and experts recommend limiting the consumption of nicotine, caffeine, and alcohol and avoiding stress.

3. Shaun White

People may know that Shaun White, the Olympic medalist, has a heart condition. It also required him to undergo two open-heart surgeries when he was young. According to his doctor, White had to limit any physical activity in the first place.

Yet, he decided to push his ability over the limit. Until today, Shaun White is a dedicated donor to the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital while being one of the athletes with heart disease. The story might not be for everyone, but you should consider absorbing his fighting spirit.

4. Tedy Bruschi

Tedy Bruschi is also one of those people who’ve been living with a heart condition. One day, he woke up with numbness and migraine on one side of the body.

The symptoms were considered a stroke attack. The doctor said that Bruschi couldn’t play football anymore. However, after eight months, he returned to the field today.

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5. Robin Williams

Robin Williams was one of the celebrities with heart surgery scars and was open about that. He got heart surgery in 2009 to restore the aortic valve, which might have been caused by substance abuse.

Other than that, family history may play a role as well. Unfortunately, Williams committed suicide after discovering Lewy body dementia.

6. Bret Michaels

A TV star, Bret Michaels, is another person who lives with a heart condition. He had a hole in his heart and discovered it in 2010. Experts also call this condition a patent foramen ovale that may lead the patient to experience a mini-stroke.

On the other hand, Michales was experiencing a brain hemorrhage that might cause a stroke in the future. Later in 2011, Bret Michaels repaired the hole through surgery.

7. Toni Braxton

One of the celebrities with heart disease is Toni Braxton. She discovered her heart condition in 2004, but it was not the heart disease in the first place.

Braxton was experiencing inflammation of the heart’s lining. This also proves that everybody has the same chance to develop this condition. So, to continue with her life, Toni Braxton takes a beta-blocker and concentrates daily.

Another thing that she has to avoid is fatty and salty foods. Consuming those substances may escalate her condition.

8. Jessie J

When it comes to female celebrities with heart disease, Jessie J is part of the list. She one-time canceled her concert due to her heart defect. This disease is also called Wolff-Parkinson-White condition, which makes one faint due to irregular heartbeats.

Jessie got this condition from her father and grandfather. She tried to be strong and maintain her fitness to overcome the feeling. But, more than anything, lifestyle choice affects the condition most.

9. Mark Miller

You might not believe it if Mark Miller, an MMA actor, fights his opponents bravely even though he has a heart condition. Yet, he manages always to keep bouncing back.

According to a source, Miller underwent surgery to correct the congenital heart defect. But unfortunately, even though his condition seems better, he has multiple complications nowadays.

The key to overcoming this condition is to stay fit and be positive. Until today, Mark Miller still goes with his therapist and doctors to ensure he is always in good condition.

10. Brian Littrell

Brian Littrell has been living with congenital heart disease since birth. The condition makes him more prone and susceptible to infections. His health condition even made him repeat the first grade.

Later, he got open-heart surgery and improved. Now, Littrell has established a non-profit organization that advocates for kids with heart conditions. Today, Backstreet Boys member carries on with a therapist for improvement.

11. Elizabeth Taylor

Elizabeth Taylor is one of the celebrities who died of heart disease. She died in 2011 at 79 of age due to heart failure. According to experts, heart failure is a common condition in Americans – at least 5 million Americans live with this condition.

On the other hand, Taylor was diagnosed with a heart condition in 2004 and has managed her life ever since. However, she felt that the symptom got more severe towards the end of her life, especially when she started using a wheelchair.

Heart defects can be present from birth, but some people also develop them in life. Most people have no idea, however, if the condition happens in adulthood.

More than anything, it is crucial to be aware of your heart first. Especially if your family has heart problems, you should check your heart condition first.

Celebrities with congenital heart defects could be an example of controlling and repairing your lifestyle to face this condition.