Dutch man achieves world record as longest-living heart transplant recipient
After forty years of defying the odds following a dire heart diagnosis, Bert Janssen secures a place in the Guinness World Records as the most enduring transplant recipient in history.
Four decades ago, Bert Janssen was told he had only six months to live due to a serious heart condition. However, he has defied the odds and recently achieved a Guinness World Record for being the longest-surviving transplant patient.
At the age of 17, Bert was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, a heart muscle disease that makes it difficult for the heart to effectively pump blood throughout the body. Despite the challenges he faced, Bert remained determined and has become an inspiration to others.
He believes he is living proof that it is possible to survive for a long time after having a heart transplant.
Back in 1984, the Netherlands had not yet conducted its first heart transplant. As a result, cardiologist Albert Mattart recommended that the teenager seek treatment at Harefield Hospital in England.
Janssen underwent transplant surgery in June that year after a heart became available following a tragic car crash in which two young adults died.
Bert Janssen looks at a photograph of himself as a younger man.
Bert Janssen looks at a photograph of himself as a younger man.
Piroschka Van De Wouw/Reuters
Transplant pioneer Magdi Yacoub performed the life-saving operation. Janssen, now 57 years old, married with two sons and an avid glider pilot, considers that day more significant than his birthday.
“I’ve never really looked this far ahead.”
Dr. Sanjay Gupta got an exclusive look into a top secret facility where they genetically modify pigs to be used for human organ donors.
Dr. Sanjay Gupta got an exclusive look into a top secret facility where they genetically modify pigs to be used for human organ donors.
CNN
Related article
More people need transplants than there are organ donors. Pigs might be a solution
While he is fit and healthy, his heart medication causes side effects and in recent years he has had to slow down.
“I still do more or less what I want (but) at a different pace,” he said.
Heart transplant patients typically live an average of 16 years, as reported by Janssen's cardiologist, Casper Eurlings. Janssen holds the Guinness World Record for the longest post-transplant survival, living for 39 years and 100 days.
The previous record for the longest living heart transplant recipient was 34 years and 359 days, achieved by Canadian Harold Sokyrka in 2021 as confirmed by Guinness World Records.
Eurlings mentioned that transplant patients should focus on staying healthy and being physically active, just like Mr. Janssen did.
Yacoub has since thanked Janssen for his achievements and dedication to global health.
“But it’s really me who should be thanking him,” Janssen said.
Editor's P/S:
Bert Janssen's extraordinary journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of medical advancements. Defying the grim prognosis he received at a mere 17 years old, he has lived a full and meaningful life, inspiring countless others with his unwavering determination. His Guinness World Record as the longest-surviving heart transplant patient is not merely a number but a symbol of hope and possibility, demonstrating that even in the face of adversity, life can prevail.
Janssen's story highlights the importance of staying positive, seeking support, and embracing the opportunities that life presents. His success is not only a triumph of medical science but also a reminder that with courage and perseverance, we can overcome challenges and live fulfilling lives. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of transplant patients, giving them the strength and belief that they too can defy the odds and thrive.
