Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) was hospitalized Thursday in Pittsburgh after a heart issue caused him to fall and sustain minor facial injuries, his office said in a statement.
The big picture: Fetterman, who has a history of heart problems and suffered a stroke during his 2022 campaign, fell and hit his face during an early morning walk near his Braddock home after feeling light-headed, his spokesperson said.
- “Upon evaluation, it was established he had a ventricular fibrillation flare-up,” his office said.
Context: Ventricular fibrillation is considered the most dangerous heart rhythm disorder, per the American Heart Association. It can cause sudden cardiac death within minutes without treatment, per the association.
- The senator is “doing well,” per his office, and remains in the hospital as doctors “fine-tune his medication regimen.”
What they’re saying: Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) and Sen. Dave McCormick (R-Pa.) both wished Fetterman a speedy recovery Thursday evening.
- “I reached out to Senator Fetterman and Dina has spoken to Gisele,” McCormick said. “John is a tough Pittsburgher and is already on the mend.”
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