Dick Cheney: Encyclopedia II - Dick Cheney - Health problems

Dick Cheney - Health problems

Cheney's long history of cardiovascular disease and periodic need for urgent health care have several times raised the question of whether he is medically fit to serve as Vice President. Cheney sustained the first of four myocardial infarctions (heart attacks) in 1978, at age 37. Subsequent infarctions in 1984, 1988, and 2001 have resulted in moderate contractile dysfunction of his left ventricle. He underwent four-vessel coronary artery bypass grafting in 1988, coronary artery stenting in November 2000, and urgent coronary balloon angioplasty in March 2001.

In 2001 a Holter monitor disclosed brief episodes of (asymptomatic) ectopy. An electrophysiologic study was performed, at which Cheney was found to be inducible. A cardiac defibrillator was therefore implanted in his left upper anterior chest. As of 2004, it has never discharged.

On September 24, 2005, Cheney had an endo-vascular procedure to repair popliteal artery aneurysms bilaterally. (In other words, a catheter treatment technique was used in the artery behind each knee.) The condition was discovered at a regular physical in July, and, while not life-threatening itself, is likely an indicator that Cheney's atherosclerotic disease is progressing despite aggressive treatment. [9]

On January 9, 2006 Cheney was taken to the hospital for tests after experiencing shortness of breath. He was given heart tests and tests for retention of water (he had been retaining water due to medication he had been taking for a foot complaint) before being discharged. He was placed on a diuretic to help get rid of the fluids.

Cheney occassionaly requires the use of a cane for walking. This is due to a pre-existing foot condition and is unrelated to his cardiovascular disease, according to Cheney. [10]

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "Health problems", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki