After being examined for a persistent cough, Vice-President Dick Cheney has been admitted to George Washington University Hospital for atrial fibrillation.
In the upper chambers of the heart, an irregular rhythm was found, according to FOX News.
More below....
Cheney is expected to undergo outpatient treatment to stabilize his heartbeat, and is also expected (according to FOX NEws) to be discharged tonight.
Dick Cheney has suffered four heart attacks to the present date.
From Wikipedia
Formerly a heavy smoker, Cheney sustained the first of four heart attacks in 1978, at age 37. He suffered subsequent attacks in 1984, 1988, and 2000.
Will continue to update as this changes...
UPDATE #1 - FOX News is now reporting that Cheney's physicians are releasing the news that Cheney's health is going to require "immediate medical attention". Although Cheney has an atrial defibrillator implanted that is designed to automatically sense and correct his current condition, the "additional medical procedure" (not named now) is going to be performed this afternoon at George Washington Hospital.
UPDATE #2 - In the total absence of all good political humor since the Writers' Guild went on strike, I am going to dedicate this Daily Kos diary to public service.
If you've got a Top Comment-worthy riposte on this situation, and you're just busting to share it, please post it here. I'll post a poll so we can take votes on the best zingers.
Thanks to all who recommended this diary - it was written in approximately 7 minutes, and it's my first rec'd diary on DKos ever! Woo-hoo!
UPDATE #3 - For all of us who are sorely missing Leno, O'Brian, and Letterman's take on political humor, a few more choice witticisms from the Kossacks' Comedy Workshop:
From yojimbo: "Heart to Cheney: 'Go F*** Yourself'"
From Ellinoireanne: "I want to say something nice.... I hope he sees the light."
From java4every1: "Give Halliburton the reconstruction contract!"
From mlecin: "Heart apologizes to Cheney... spoke briefly to reporters but answered no questions"
From The Termite: "Like a Buddy Rich solo, the guy's heart is...."
GreyHawk's great narrative on the episode's lead-in
And, my personal favorite:
From trivium, a Vietnam veteran, "I just wanted you to know that I won't be sending you a get-well card. Because I have other priorities."
(NOTE to lurking Freepers and O'Leilley fans: there's nothing here that Leno or Letterman hasn't said or wouldn't say. And your beloved FOX news is currently (3:40 PM PST) describing Cheney's hospital visit as "relatively minor." So stick that in your pipes and smoke it.)