Congressman recovering from heart scare
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/03/13/art.olson0313.gi.jpg caption="Rep. Pete Olson was outfitted with a pacemaker at a Washington hospital after fainting while working out at the House gym."]
WASHINGTON (CNN) - Rep. Pete Olson was “rushed” from Capitol Hill to the hospital Thursday, and doctors “equipped” him with a “dual chamber pacemaker,” the Texas Republican wrote in an e-mail to political supporters.
“While working out in the House gym, I got quite dizzy and fainted,” Olson said in the note sent Friday by his campaign committee. “After being rushed to George Washington University Hospital, it was determined that I had a condition called bradycardia, which is medical talk for a slow heart beat. Whatever they call it, it wasn't good and I don't recommend it.”
Olson added, “The docs have now equipped me with a dual chamber pacemaker to ensure my ticker doesn't pull such a stunt again. I feel fine and was ready to get back to work yesterday afternoon, but cooler heads have instructed I rest a little more.”
A cardiologist at George Washington University Hospital said that the “procedure went smoothly with no complications.”
“This is a common, often asymptomatic, condition and we expect the Congressman to resume his active lifestyle,” said Allen Solomon, cardiologist at the George Washington University Hospital and professor of Medicine.
The congressman is expected to return to work next week, the hospital said in the statement.
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Speedy recovery to you sir. I am too a loyal democrat, but I know those heart things can be scary. I have a 12 year old son who also has heart issues. Not fun at any age. God speed to recovery!
Speedy recovery to you sir. I am too a loyal democrat, but I know those heart things can be scary. I have a 12 year old son who also has heart issues. Not fun at any age. God speed to recovery!
he is a republican with ties to Cheney and other shady people, doctors shouldnt have spent the money and resources caring for this sick evil person
While Olsen congratulates himself, millions of American do not have access to the kind of health care Olsen receives from the taxpayers but does nothing to help hardworking Americans receive. Another hypocritical right wing extremest using welfare for his personal benefit.
AndyL March 13th, 2009 5:00 pm ET
@Retired Army in San Antonio
I can see how you would think this is a stupid statement, but believe me, I have had immediate family and extended family have to deal with the Canadian healthcare system. My father in law waited 3 years for a hernia operation and when he finally got it, they forgot sponges in him which created and serious infection where they had to operate again. My girlfriend would have had to wait 2 years to get a cancer (yes cancer) screaning test but we went to a private clinic, paid for it and had it done in a week. Although my statement was somewhat over the top, it's not far from the truth.
Andy, I have never seen anyone in my life so unimformed about anything such as you. First of all, I too have an hernia and need it operated on. Is my hernia life threatening, does it have to be done right now. No, it doesn't. But to your way of thinking, someone with a hernia should be place on the top of the list for a surgical proceeedure before someone with a heart condition. Get a life. Do some research before you talk about something you know nothing about. My father had an operation 2 weeks ago for a brain aneurysm which was dicovered a week prior. He was in no immediate danger but was operated on right away just in case. Priority cases are taken above everything else unless they are life threatening. Our health care system may not be perfect but it is by far one if not the best in the world. Its still has some improvements to be made but at least a Canadian citizen and thousands of your own countrymen get medical attention when they need it. As for your crap about sponges being left behind after surgery. In 1992, one of your best hospitals in the country made a mistake of their own. A man who was suppose to have a hernia operation and came out with one of his testicles missing. Another was operated on and a pair of medical scissos was left inside, only noticed after the count was made and the nurses noticed they were no where to be found. Only after an xray was preformed , voila, the scissors were inside the patient. This happens everywhere, yours included, and by far more often then most,not just country's with universal health care. The one thing we have in this country that Americans don't have, is, we would never go financially broke to be able to have the nessecary medical health coverage we need. It may not be perfect, but its a thousand times better than what you have right now. And for those who can afford to, they can always go to your country or others if they wish not to wait for surgery that do not need the immediate attention of a doctor. That is their choice, but its a choice they have. Something you do not have in either case.
And as for it being a socialist system. Funny how most people think that way, when our medical system is funded by our own tax dollars. Wonder why all those government Congressman, House representavies and their employess have health insurance paid for by your taxes. Wonder what you call that? To me, thats just another form of SOCIALISM. Hahaha
Must be nice to have such swell health insurance.