ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER underwent heart surgery last Thursday to replace a 20-year-old ‘pulmonic’ valve.

 

 

When the word got out on Friday, some media outlets hysterically reported that it was an “emergency” surgery, but that’s not the case.  It was pre-planned.

 

 

Arnold had the valve put in back in 1997 to treat a congenital heart defect, and it was only expected to last about 15 years or so.

 

 

It was supposed to be a less invasive procedure, but they always have an open-heart surgery team on-hand just in case.  It sounds like they WEREN’T needed, but that’s not 100% clear.  TMZ claims there were complications and they WERE needed.

 

 

In any event, it was a success.

 

 

His rep Tweeted, quote, “[He’s] awake and his first words were actually ‘I’m back,’ so he is in good spirits.”  The rep also corrected sensationalized reports . . . saying that since it was pre-planned, he was never “rushed” to the hospital.

 

 

Arnold is 70 years old.