Bush undergoes heart procedure
(CNN) - Former President George W. Bush, 67, underwent a procedure Tuesday morning to have a stent placed in his heart one day after a blockage was discovered in an artery, according to a statement from his office.
In the statement released by Bush's spokesman, the procedure was "performed successfully," without complication, at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas.
"President Bush is in high spirits, eager to return home tomorrow and resume his normal schedule on Thursday. He is grateful to the skilled medical professionals who have cared for him," the statement read.
The blockage was found during Bush's annual physical examination at the Cooper Clinic in Dallas on Monday.
"He thanks his family, friends, and fellow citizens for their prayers and well wishes. And he encourages us all to get our regular check-ups," the statement continued.
The 43rd president was known for having relatively good health during his tenure at the White House. For exercise, he was an active runner and frequently rode his mountain bike.
According to his 2006 annual exam, his medical history at the time showed no signs of hypertension or stroke, and he had 'low' to 'very low' coronary artery disease risk profile with a favorable family medical history and absence of modifiable risk factors.
The report also stated he had "minimal/mild" coronary artery calcification, a fairly common sign of early artery disease in which the lining of aortic wall becomes inflamed and plaque starts to build up over time. Calcium deposits begin to form in the artery wall.
Bush's statement Tuesday did not release details on whether his artery blockage was related to his past medical history.
Also, the White House announced in August 2007 that Bush was treated the year prior for Lyme disease. A White House spokesman at the time told CNN that it is "not uncommon" for Bush to get tick bites during his bike rides.
Lyme disease can be transmitted through the bite of a tick that carries the disease. The problem had been resolved, with no re-occurrence and no other symptoms, the White House said six years ago.
His 2007 physical exam also reported bouts of mild vertigo, but it did not interfere with his work.
Speedy recovery GW! You deserve to live a long healthy life.
"Too bad he is not still in office. He was a great leader and man. Something we can't say about the current Commander-in-chief. I pray for the best recovery possible."
Wow... I got a good laugh out of this. Thanks for posting the joke, Dom. Funniest thing I've read all day.
All the best, Mr President!
I hope he has speedy recovery but his legacy will never recover.
I nice to know a Man his age is in good health.
Bush is faking this in order to distract Americans from Benghazi.. j/k lol
I am no fan of W but I can say one "good" thing about him. I do not believe that he was a racist. I believe his policies impact people of color much more negitively but that was not racism, that was ignorance as to their impact. I do not think he is a racist...I think he is indifferent to a persons color. That is the one thing I liked about him. Hated almost every policy he proposed or put forth.
Mark of Tennessee
George W. Bush was the worst president in the history of the United States PERIOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Nope not even close, Obama has him beat by a long shot!!!
To those who questioned, "Yes he does have a heart. I think basically he's a kind person. Now Cheney is another story.But most importantly Texas has the highest percentage of uninsured people and the current governor opposes the federal financial aid which accompanies "Obamacare". Hopefully the stent will enable Bush to speak to this.
A ton of pitiful comments from both sides! For those who don't seem to know, as a former president, he gets the same health care as all living, FORMER presidents, whether GOP or Dem! You want presidental healthcare? Simple! Become president! if you are so negative about his health care now, will you be so negative in 2016? We will add a new "former president" to the roles then!
I do not wish bad health on anyone. I was not a fan of him as president, but that is what makes the world go around. Speedy recovery and good health to him
For you haters, explain to me why George W. Bush was the worst President ever?
Love you, G Dubs. Get well soon, brah.
I have a question. What branch of government actually controls the economy? The correct answer would be the Legislative Branch! So why then do we credit Clinton for a surplus, when it was the Congress? Why do we blame Bush for a recession, when it was the Congress? The answer to my question is ALWAYS static, regardless of who sits in the Oval Office! It is ALWAYS the Congress! Same with the current president. He does not control the economy! The Congress does!
I'm mad that we don't allow rationality to decide policy but feelings that is preference for the short-term not long-term in the U.S. Fact is whether tax reform, immigration, r and d, education, environment and other issues are structural problems in U.S modern democratic life. Nobody wants to face up to reality that health-care is disease ridden on 5% of Medicare is 50% of the costs on chronic illness not on preventive health-care and also historically discriminated vulnerable populations for short-term profit. Nobody will face up with long-term goals and issues confronting our nation anymore like a equavalent space program for the future is needed man.
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Can we take this then as conclusive evidence that he HAS one, after all ? ?
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I don't really like "W", but I wish him a speedy recovery. The real story here should be that a routine physical found a significant health problem and it was fixed. That is the way health care is supposed to work. I will bet that the stint cost 1% of what it would cost if he ignored his health and had a heart attack.
Okay. Bush has a heart after all. And Cheney, half a heart that's his own.
Now, if only the rest of us could even get an annual physical that might detect a problem, before it's a problem, and get any care at all – that would be news.
Wish you well George and Dick. You're only human too.
(Yes, Clinton had bypass surgery – a heart problem too. Like the others, much of his own making.)
Let's wish all the former Presidents well. They are all humans, just like us.
The current President? Keep showing heart whenever you can, Mr. President.
Regardless of what anyone thinks of this man. He and his family are wonderful folks. Starting from his dad on down. I am not saying he was the best leader but he cared about this country which is more than can be said about the current leader. Heal quickly kind sir.
Speedy recovery sir.
I hated having this man as our leader, thought he was the worst president ever. But, that being said, I still wish him the best and forgive him for his many, many faults.
My thoughts and prayers to The Bush Family for a speedy and full recovery. GWB is a good and honorable man and his wife, Laura, was one of the best First Lady's ever. History will tell a noble story of this man's courage under fire during the 9/11 attack!
So apparently we have to wish him well to get our comments posted.
Alan Greenspan was the head of the US Federal Reserve for 18 years. He was appointed by Ronald Reagan in 1987. He is widely admired as one of the leading Republican economists and surprised the U.S. and the world by openly declaring that the Iraq war was mostly about oil. In his memoir, Greenspan has severely criticized President George W Bush on his foreign policies and has provoked controversy by claiming that the 2003 Iraq invasion was large about oil.
I hope you get better, George, so you can do your full sentence for war crimes.