Fetterman’s cardiologist says Senate candidate should be “fine” if he follows orders

https://www.pennlive.com/news/2022/06/fettermans-cardiologist-says-senate-candidate-should-be-fine-if-he-follows-orders.html

Lt. Gov. John Fetterman has a weakened heart muscle, but should be able to campaign and serve in the U.S. Senate “without a problem” if he follows the medical advice he has been given, Fetterman’s cardiologist said in a letter released Friday by his campaign.

Dr. Ramesh Chandra of Alliance Cardiology in Pittsburgh gave a positive prognosis for Fetterman, the Democratic candidate for the state’s open U.S. Senate seat, who admitted that his stroke was preventable if he had followed his doctor’s orders given to him five years ago.

“If he takes his medications, eats healthy, and exercises, he’ll be fine,” Chandra wrote.

“If he does what I’ve told him, and I do believe that he is taking his recovery and his health very seriously this time, he should be able to campaign and serve in the U.S. Senate without a problem,” said Chandra.

Chandra said he first saw Fetterman in 2017 when Fetterman was complaining of swollen feet. It was then that he diagnosed Fetterman with atrial fibrillation, or an irregular heart rhythm, and a decreased heart pump.

At that time, Chandra said he prescribed medications and told Fetterman to improve his diet, exercise and follow-up in a few months.

“Instead, I did not see him again until yesterday,” Chandra wrote. “John did not go to any doctor for 5 years and did not continue taking his medications.”

Fetterman’s wife, Gisele, had him rushed to Penn Medicine Lancaster General Hospital on May 13 after noticing warning signs of a stroke. Chandra said the pacemaker that was implanted at the hospital is “working perfectly” to address Fetterman’s cardiomyopathy, or heart muscle disease.

Chandra said he is scheduled to see Fetterman again in six months.

In a statement released by his campaign, Fetterman acknowledged ignoring Chandra’s earlier advice and urged others to learn from his experience.

“As my doctor said, I should have taken my health more seriously. The stroke I suffered on May 13 didn’t come out of nowhere,” Fetterman said.

“Like so many others, and so many men in particular, I avoided going to the doctor, even though I knew I didn’t feel well. As a result, I almost died. I want to encourage others to not make the same mistake.”

Fetterman said it will “take some more time to get back on the campaign trail” as continues recuperating at home in Braddock, outside of Pittsburgh.

“It’s frustrating – all the more so because this is my own fault – but bear with me, I need a little more time,” Fetterman said. “I’m not quite back to 100% yet, but I’m getting closer every day.”

Five years ago, after being told of his heart condition, Fetterman said he thought exercising and losing weight would be enough, but he stopped taking blood thinners that would have prevented a stroke.

“It’s not something I’m proud of but is something I hope that others can learn from,” he said. “So please, listen to your body and be aware of the signs.”

Fetterman easily won the Democratic primary on May 17, but he, like the rest of Pennsylvania, is still waiting to see who will be declared the winner of the Republican primary.