    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1991, Book I)]
    [May 6, 1991]
    [Page 475]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement by Press Secretary Fitzwater on the President's Health
    May 6, 1991

        At approximately 10:45 p.m. last night, the President resumed his
    normal heart rhythm, which was maintained until 4:45 a.m. this morning,
    at which time atrial fibrillation reoccurred. The attending physicians
    met at 5:30 a.m. this morning for approximately 2 hours to consider the
    situation. It was deemed unnecessary to carry out the electrical
    procedure since the President's response to medication had been
    encouraging. They decided instead to continue further adjustment of his
    medication and maintain observation of the President while working here
    at the White House.
        President Bush will be discharged at approximately 9 a.m. this
    morning and return immediately to the Oval Office. His progress will be
    monitored here as his medication levels and dosages are observed. It
    should be stressed again that there continues to be no evidence of
    organic heart disease.
        Today the President will continue his normal responsibilities and
    activities. He will meet with former Soviet Foreign Minister
    Shevardnadze at 1:30 p.m. and will conduct other business during the
    day.
        The President rose at 5:20 a.m. this morning. He's in good spirits
    and anxious to get back to work. We look forward to having him back in
    the White House very soon.

                        Note: The Press Secretary read the statement to
                            reporters at 8:38 a.m. in the Briefing Room at
                            the White House.