The former German Chancellor Helmut Schmidt had a pacemaker implanted many years ago.

 

The German Foreign Minister Hans-Dietrich Genscher had a pacemaker implanted for many years.

 

Anja Andersen, a famous handball player in Denmark had a pacemaker implanted in 1999 after several fainting spells during playing. She is now a handball coach.

 

It’s quite ironic that Medtronic’s co-founder, Earl Bakken has a pacemaker. Earl Bakken and his brother-in-law Palmer Hermundslie started Medtronic in a garage in northeast Minneapolis, where they repaired electronic hospital equipment. Medtronic is now the world’s leading medical technology company and pacemaker manufacturer.

 

New York’s feisty former Mayor Ed Koch, 76, had a pacemaker implanted in 1991. The brash, often funny Koch has not stopped working since leaving City Hall in 1989. He writes newspaper columns, presides over a courtroom-based daytime television show, hosts a talk radio show, reviews movies and most recently writes political commentary.

 

Phyllis Diller is 83 years old but feels brand, spanking new thanks to her pacemaker. "I’m the bionic woman!" she brags. Phyllis Diller continues to make fans laugh with her live performances and humor.

 

Buddy Ebsen, the actor who starred as Jud Clampett on the Beverly Hillbillies, has a pacemaker. He is 90 years old. Buddy Ebsen started in show business in 1928 on Broadway and several years later moved to Hollywood.

 

Thanks to his pacemaker, Jim Nabors is an energetic Bionic Man and says this about his pacemaker; "I have alot more energy now. I'm made up of parts and pieces, but I'm happy to be alive". His unique career has earned him a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

 

Hollywood's honorary mayor, 76-year-old Johnny Grant, doesn't miss a beat with his pacemaker.

For decades, Grant has served as master of ceremonies when new stars were placed on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

 

Krusty, a character from the famous Simpsons television show, has a pacemaker. He isn't a good person, in fact, he pretty much hates everything. Krusty is a great example of what we should not be like!

 

Elton John had a pacemaker implanted in the summer of 1999. After the procedure he was quoted as saying, "The only long-term effect of the heart problem is that I have to carry a card explaining why I set off the alarms when I walk through airport security."

 

Bob Dole first got involved in politics in 1951. Over the years he has served in many roles.

Despite retiring from elective politics, he has far from retired from active politics. His pacemaker does not slow him down.

 

Netherlands Prince Claus, the husband of the Netherlands' Queen Beatrix, was fitted with a
pacemaker on August 9. Claus, age 75, was given the pacemaker after his doctors confirmed continuing irregularities in his heartbeat.

 

US Vice President, Dick Cheney had an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implanted on June 30, 2001. His so-called pacemaker-plus monitors his heart rate and stimulates his heart with electricity to correct an irregular rhythm.

When asked by reporters how he was feeling after his surgery, the vice president smiled gave the "OK" sign with his hand and replied, "Very good". He also added "A little tender in the shoulder, but it'll pass".

President Bush also joked by adding, "We were thinking about doing some jumping jacks before
you came in".

 

Former Indonesian president Suharto has a pacemaker. The long-serving leader is 81 years old.

 

James Major, son of former British Prime Minister John Major, has a heart pacemaker. The device is
needed to correct an irregular heartbeat. James Major is only 26 years old.

 

Bob HUggins, University of Cincinnati Basketball Coach, has a defibrillator (ICD). He's back behind the bench and recently celebrated 500 wins as a coach.

 

Norway's midfielder soccer player, Staale Solbakken, recently received a pacemaker.
He is only 33 and doctors remain divided as to whether or not he will be able to continue playing professional soccer.

 

Texas-El Paso basketball coach Don Haskins had a pacemaker implanted in March 1999. He is a member of the basketball Hall of Fame.

 

Golf legend Byron Nelson had a pacemaker implanted in August 1999 to combat bouts of vertigo, dizziness and an irregular heartbeat. After the procedure he said "I’ve got plenty of good care here and I’m going to be fine, just fine."