Dutchman Bert Janssen entered the Guinness Book of Records by living 39 years and 252 days with a heart transplant. The previous record holder was Canadian Harold Sokirk, who survived 34 years and 359 days. This achievement is recorded on Guinness Book of Records, a reference point for extraordinary medical milestones.
At seventeen, Bert received a diagnosis of cardiomyopathy, a condition that weakens the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively. He faced a serious risk of a heart attack and ultimately underwent a heart transplant in 1984. Because transplantation was not available in the Netherlands at that time, Bert travelled to England for the procedure. He left the hospital three weeks after the operation. In the months that followed, he grappled with the side effects of the medications, and there were moments when his heart nearly stopped. Yet his condition gradually stabilized and started to improve over time.
Bert followed his doctors’ guidance with discipline. He adopted a wholesome diet, kept a consistent exercise routine, and made regular visits to the cardiologist. Today he is 57 years old, married, and a father of two. His life shows a pattern of hands-on work and practical skills. He built his own house, worked in a furniture store, served as a carpenter on a yacht, and also worked as a doorman. He remained active in sports, including skating, and in 2017 he retired on medical advice.
Medical professionals point to Bert’s long survival as a testament to a steady, preventive approach to health. They emphasize the role of ongoing medical monitoring and healthy lifestyle choices in maintaining heart function after a transplant. This case continues to be cited when discussing longevity after organ transplantation and the advances that support long-term quality of life for recipients.
Earlier medical commentary on regular heart checkups stresses the value of routine ECG monitoring as part of post-transplant care. Regular testing helps doctors track heart function, detect potential complications early, and guide treatment decisions to protect long-term heart health.