Famed business executive Charles Schwab, of the Charles Schwab Corporation, recently underwent a heart valve replacement surgery in San Diego, California.  The Chairman and founder of his company, Schwab – age 73 – started his company in 1971 and has been working in the financial industry since the early sixties.  His company is now the largest discount brokerage firm in the United States.

The company started as a traditional brokerage firm, but started offering discount brokerage services in 1975 and now boasts almost 8 million accounts.  The company offers the same high-quality brokerage services, but with lower commissions and fees – making their services more affordable.  They have over 300 offices nationwide and also provide investment research, savings, and mutual funds.

Schwab joins a long list of American business executives and key public figures who have undergone heart surgeries.  Dick Cheney had a device implanted to aid the pumping of his heart last July amid speculation about his health.  The former vice president has had numerous heart problems and surgeries.  Humanitarian Mother Teresa passed away at the age of 87 due to a heart attack.  With the progress of medicine bringing us pacemakers, valve surgeries, bypass procedures, and minimally invasive cardiac surgeries, public figures – as well as family members – are living longer and controlling their heart symptoms better.