    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1991, Book I)]
    [May 4, 1991]
    [Page 473]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 473]]

    Statement by Press Secretary Fitzwater on the President's Health
    May 4, 1991

        President Bush is relaxed, comfortable, and having dinner with Mrs.
    Bush in his room at Bethesda Naval Hospital this evening. He is in good
    spirits and the doctors' reports are very positive.
        President Bush developed atrial fibrillation, which is an
    irregularity of the heartbeat, while running at Camp David this
    afternoon about 4:20 p.m. This condition presented itself as unusual
    fatigue during the run. The President was evaluated by Dr. Michael Nash
    at Camp David, who detected the irregular heartbeat and found him to be
    entirely stable with no other symptoms.
        The President, accompanied by Mrs. Bush and Dr. Nash, flew by
    helicopter to Bethesda Naval Hospital, arriving about 5:58 p.m. this
    evening. At the time of hospital admission, the irregular heartbeat was
    still present, but the President was completely alert and entirely
    stable, with no complaints. The President walked into the hospital on
    his own power.
        An electrocardiogram showed no abnormalities except the irregular
    heart rhythm. An ultrasound examination of the heart showed no
    structural abnormalities and normal heart function.
        The President is undergoing treatment for atrial fibrillation with
    the drug digoxin. Diagnostic testing and initial treatment took
    approximately 1 hour. The President has been consulting with Governor
    Sununu on various issues at the hospital. The President will remain
    there for observation over the night.
        Physicians in attendance are Dr. Lawrence Mohr, colonel of the U.S.
    Army; Dr. Michael Nash, major, U.S. Air Force, of the White House
    Medical Unit; and Dr. John A. Williams III, lt. commander, U.S. Navy, a
    staff cardiologist at Bethesda Naval Hospital.
        Mrs. Bush will remain with the President at the hospital overnight.
    Vice President Quayle spoke with the President by telephone about 7:20
    p.m. and found him in excellent spirits.

                        Note: The Press Secretary read the statement to
                            reporters at 8:30 p.m. in the Briefing Room at
                            the White House. John H. Sununu was Chief of
                            Staff to the President. Later in the week, the
                            President was diagnosed as having Graves'
                            disease.