Bernie Sanders Campaign Confirms Candidate Had Heart Attack Earlier This Week

Earlier this week, Bernie Sanders took an unexpected break from his campaign for the Democratic Party’s nomination for President to undergo a medical procedure on his heart. Sanders had two stents inserted; his campaign confirmed that he was resting and recuperating comfortably. Sanders also canceled a number of campaign events and put an ad buy in Iowa on hold temporarily.

Now, the Sanders campaign has confirmed what many believed was the case when the senator was hospitalized: Sanders had a heart attack on Tuesday night in Las Vegas.

On Twitter, Sanders thanked the staff of Desert Springs Hospital Medical Center, when he was treated.

I want to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at the Desert Springs Hospital Medical Center for the excellent care that they provided. After two and a half days in the hospital, I feel great, and after taking a short time off, I look forward to getting back to work. pic.twitter.com/HjBc9LPjo4

— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) October 4, 2019

Sanders has also used his hospitalization to raise awareness of Medicare for All, one of his leading campaign issues for 2020.

I'm looking forward to sharing our vision for transforming this country at the next debate.

I am lucky to have great health care, but millions of Americans are not. Some 87 million Americans are uninsured or underinsured.

That is unacceptable to me. We need Medicare for All.

— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) October 3, 2019

In light of this diagnosis, The New York Times offered some analysis of the senator’s health, as well as what he might expect from the recovery process. His timetable for a return to campaigning has yet to be determined, the Times said.

Campaign officials said they would determine when he would return to the trail as he recovers at his home, and it is possible that his first public appearance will be at the debate. His demeanor then will likely be watched closely by both voters and the news media.

Voters will have a chance to see for themselves when Sanders takes the stage for the next Democratic debate — currently set for October 15.

Subscribe here for our free daily newsletter.