Fetterman hospitalized after fall
Pennsylvania U.S. Sen. John Fetterman was hospitalized after a fall on Thursday.
His office said he suffered a “ventricular fibrillation flare-up,” or type of irregular heartbeat, that caused him to feel light-headed and fall during a morning walk near his home. Fetterman, who suffered a stroke in May 2022, has disclosed that he was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy and a heart condition called atrial fibrillation. He suffered minor injuries to his face and was under “routine observation” at a Pittsburgh hospital.
The 55-year-old former lieutenant governor of the Commonwealth has said that it was a-fib that caused his stroke. He underwent surgery in a Lancaster hospital afterward to implant a pacemaker with a defibrillator to manage the condition.
Cardiomyopathy can impede blood flow and potentially cause heartbeats so irregular they can be fatal. Atrial fibrillation can cause blood to pool inside a pocket of the heart, allowing clots to form. Clots then can break off, get stuck and cut off blood, causing a stroke.
Fetterman joked that “If you thought my face looked bad before, wait until you see it now!’ Gov. Josh Shapiro sent well wishes to the senator.“Lori and I are praying for Senator Fetterman’s full and speedy recovery and thinking of Gisele and their children. It’s the most important thing in the world to have good health and be with your family, and I know all Pennsylvanians join me in sending well wishes to the Fettermans during this time.” Fellow Pennsylvania Sen. Dave McCormick said that he has been in touch with Fetterman.“I reached out to Senator Fetterman and Dina has spoken to Gisele. John is a tough Pittsburgher and is already on the mend. We are thinking of him, Gisele, and their entire family — looking forward to seeing my good friend in the coming days.”Steve Ulrich is managing editor of Politics PA.
