Bert Janssen, a Dutch man, has achieved a remarkable milestone by setting a Guinness World Record as the longest-surviving heart transplant patient, four decades after being diagnosed with a serious heart condition.
Diagnosed with cardiomyopathy at the age of 17, a condition that weakens the heart muscle, Janssen was initially given just six months to live. In 1984, with heart transplants still uncommon in the Netherlands, he was referred to Harefield Hospital in England, where transplant pioneer Magdi Yacoub performed the life-saving operation.
Reflecting on the surgery, Janssen, now 57 and married with two sons, considers the day of his transplant more important than his birthday. Despite the side effects of his heart medication and the need to reduce his work output in recent years, Janssen remains fit and healthy, continuing to live life at a different pace.
Janssen's achievement of living for 39 years and 100 days after his transplant has been officially recognized by Guinness World Records. His current cardiologist, Casper Eurlings, emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and being active, factors that have contributed to Janssen's longevity.
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