After suffering a heart attack in October, Democratic presidential contender Bernie Sanders has tried to reassure voters about the state of his health.
This week, Sanders released statements from two doctors about his physical condition, revealing that he’s been diagnosed with a clean bill of health since the event.
Physicians letters released
“You have been engaging vigorously in the rigors of your campaign, travel and other scheduled activities without any limitation,” Dr. Brian Monahan wrote in a letter published by The New York Times. Monahan serves as a physician on Capitol Hill.
“Your heart muscle strength has improved. You have never had symptoms of congestive heart failure. The heart chamber sizes, wall thickness, estimated pressures, and heart valves are normal.”
“Several 24-hour recordings of your heart electrical activity indicated no significant (heart) rhythm abnormality,” Monahan continued.
“At this point, I see no reason he cannot continue campaigning without limitation and, should he be elected, I am confident he has the mental and physical stamina to fully undertake the rigors of the presidency.”
The 79-year-old candidate also produced a statement from his cardiologist, Dr. Martin LeWinter of the University of Vermont.
“At this point, I see no reason he cannot continue campaigning without limitation and, should he be elected, I am confident he has the mental and physical stamina to fully undertake the rigors of the presidency,” LeWinter wrote.
Other candidates jump onboard
Sanders isn’t the only Democratic candidate to solicit a statement from medical professionals to reassure voters worried about their advanced age. In early December, 70-year-old Elizabeth Warren released the results of her physical.
“There are no medical conditions or health problems that would keep her from fulfilling the duties of the President of the United States,” Dr. Beverly Woo said of the Massachusetts senator.
Former Vice President Joe Biden’s age and health have become an issue too. Two months ago, Biden angrily challenged an 83-year-old man to a push-up contest at a campaign event in Iowa.
Should he be elected, Biden will be 81-years-old by the end of his first term in office.
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