Hollywood veteran Arnold Schwarzenegger made his first public appearance since receiving a pacemaker, according to the Daily Mail. The 76-year-old former California governor was spotted leaving Via Alloro, a celebrity hotspot in Beverly Hills.

Dressed casually in a brown leather jacket, black t-shirt, and brown trousers, Schwarzenegger appeared in good spirits as he greeted friends outside the restaurant. His recent surgery stemmed from a long-standing heart condition that had plagued him for years, despite his well-known history as a fitness icon.

The irregular heartbeat, a consequence of a congenital heart defect, had become increasingly problematic. He revealed that the demanding schedule of the Arnold Sports Festival in March was a turning point, forcing him to prioritize his health. This wasn’t Schwarzenegger’s first encounter with heart surgery. In 1997, he underwent a successful valve replacement procedure. Over the next two decades, he would require additional surgeries to replace both the aortic and pulmonary valves.

Throughout his health struggles, Schwarzenegger maintained a characteristically positive outlook. He credited his medical team for closely monitoring his condition and scheduling the pacemaker surgery strategically, ensuring minimal disruption to his filming schedule for the upcoming season of his television series “FUBAR.”

While traditionally reticent to discuss personal health issues, Schwarzenegger acknowledged the positive impact his openness has had on others. He shared how revealing his experiences with a bicuspid aortic valve disorder inspired many facing similar challenges.

“So, since I know that going against my instinct… helps people, what choice do I have?” he stated, highlighting his commitment to using his platform to empower others.