Former Vice President Dick Cheney's recent hospitalization for chest pains puts a spotlight on heart disease — the No. 1 killer of both men and women in the United States.
The 69-year-old Republican, who served as Vice President from 2001 to 2009 in the administration of George W. Bush, was said to be resting comfortably Monday at George Washington Hospital, Washington D.C.
"His doctors are evaluating the situation," a statement from his office said.
Cheney has a history of cardiovascular problems. He suffered his first heart attack 32 years ago at the age of 37. Since then, he has suffered four heart attacks. Like many other heart attack survivors, Cheney has an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) to reduce the risk of sudden cardiac arrest.
For information on the signs and symptoms of heart attack and the difference between heart attack and sudden cardiac arrest, see:
http://www.sca-aware.org/blog/scafoundation/sca-and-heart-attack-understanding-the-difference.
