In 1984, the then 17-year-old Bert Janssen was diagnosed with a serious heart condition. At the time, a heart transplant had not yet been carried out in the Netherlands and he was therefore referred to Harefield Hospital in England.
That same year, Bert was able to get a new heart.
– That day is more important than my birthday, he says CNN.
“Never looked so far ahead”
When he was told he was sick, the doctors gave him six months to live. 39 years and 100 days later, he entered the Guinness World Records as the person who lived the longest with a transplanted heart. The previous record was 34 years and 359 days
– I have never really looked that far ahead, he says.
Today he is 57 years old and describes himself as a devoted glider pilot. He is married and has two sons.
– I still do more or less what I want, but at my own pace.
Average lifespan 16 years
Bert Janssen’s heart medications certainly make him tired. His current cardiologist tells CNN that the average life expectancy after a heart transplant is 16 years, but that Bert’s healthy lifestyle has benefited him.
In Sweden, only 63 percent survive the tenth anniversary of the procedure, write Lunds university.
Bert Janssen has himself been involved in the issue and worked with global health. Something he received a lot of praise for from Magdi Yacoub, the doctor who carried out the operation. But according to Bert, it is he himself who should be grateful.
– It’s really me who should be thanking him, he says.