[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.