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Digital News Report – Former President Bill Clinton was admitted to a New York City hospital today after complaining of discomfort in his chest. After a diagnosis, the 63-year old received two stints to unblock arteries in his heart.
In 2004 he was underwent a four-hour quadruple bypass surgery after a similar incident. Today’s procedure and the 2004 operation were both done at the prestigious Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in Manhattan. The hospital is associated with two Ivy League colleges, Cornell University’s Weill Medical College and Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons. The medical centers are ranked number 6 in the United States by U.S. News and World Report.
After his bypass surgery, it was revealed that Clinton had “extensive” heart disease. He lost weight and changed his diet. Doctors at that time said he would be able to have an “extraordinarily active lifestyle”.
Since his bypass surgery he has cut out junk-food and adopted the low-carbohydrate, low-fat South Beach diet. He blamed his heart disease on genetics and reckless eating. Before the first heart attack, he was known for eating hamburgers and other fatty food.
Former First Lady and current Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton was seen leaving the Oval Office today but didn’t seem concerned, according to an AP story.
Spokesperson and administrator for the William J. Clinton Foundations, Douglas Band, released this statement:
Today President Bill Clinton was admitted to the Columbia Campus of New York Presbyterian Hospital after feeling discomfort in his chest. Following a visit to his cardiologist, he underwent a procedure to place two stents in one of his coronary arteries.
President Clinton is in good spirits, and will continue to focus on the work of his Foundation and Haiti’s relief and long-term recovery efforts. In 2004, President Clinton underwent a successful quadruple bypass operation to free four blocked arteries.
Band’s brother, Roger, has been Clinton’s personal physician on overseas trips.
By: Jason Chang
Health Writer