    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1991, Book I)]
    [May 5, 1991]
    [Pages 473-474]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement by Press Secretary Fitzwater on the President's Health
    May 5, 1991

        The President spent a comfortable night, sleeping well. He awoke at
    6 a.m., did paperwork, and spoke with Governor Sununu by phone.
        The President is in great spirits, but still has atrial
    fibrillation. There are no signs of heart damage and no evidence of a
    heart attack. The President has no other symptoms and feels completely
    normal. This is corroborated by the blood and x-ray tests which were
    examined this morning.
        The President continues to take digoxin for the atrial fibrillation.
    This is now being supplemented by the drug procainamide, which is a
    normal procedure in such cases. The President will remain at the naval
    hospital today for observation on the drugs.
        The President's Physician, Dr. Burton Lee, is supervising the team
    of physicians who are attending to the President. Dr. Bruce K. Lloyd,
    captain, U.S. Navy, chief of cardiology at the naval hospital, is
    directing the President's care. Dr. Allan Ross, chief of cardiology at
    George Washington University Hospital, is consulting on the President's
    case.
        Mrs. Bush spent the night at the hospital and departed for the White
    House a little

    [[Page 474]]

    past 7 a.m. She will return to the hospital later today.
        The President received a call from Vice President Quayle early this
    morning, before the Vice President went to church.
        The President also spoke this morning with General Brent Scowcroft,
    his national security adviser; Secretary of State Baker; Secretary of
    Defense Cheney; and Secretary of Commerce Mosbacher. These were personal
    calls. There have been no special security concerns.
        General Scowcroft and Governor Sununu will meet with the President
    about mid-morning to provide their routine national security briefing
    and to discuss other policy matters.
        The President also spoke this morning with his son Marvin and his
    daughter, Dorothy.
        The President has received a number of messages from world leaders
    wishing him good health.

                        Note: John H. Sununu was Chief of Staff to the
                            President.