Former President George W. Bush, 67, has undergone surgery today after doctors discovered a blockage in his heart. Although he has just been through heart surgery, his doctors say that he is in “high spirits”.
Prepare for a little medical talk here collegeittes: The 43rd President agreed to have a stent (a tube that keeps the artery open) placed in his heart during an operation after doctors discovered the blockage yesterday during his annual physical. Bush’s spokesman Freddy Ford has confirmed that the operation, performed at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas, took place “without complication”. This is a common procedure that usually lasts around an hour.
The news was a surprise to politicians worldwide, especially since Bush was known to be one of the more physically active presidents. He still goes for regular bike rides and participates in early morning workouts. It is thought that his healthy lifestyle may have delayed the onset of the disease by a few years; although it is also believed that his age puts him at risk of heart problems.
He is due to return home tomorrow and return to his office and usual routine on Thursday, his office has confirmed. The short turnaround is due to the fact that this is a routine procedure.
In fact, he is not the only former president to endure this procedure; in 2010 Bill Clinton had the same procedure performed.
His office has released a statement saying, “He is grateful to the skilled medical professionals who have cared for him. 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.”