Cheney Experiencing 'Abnormal' Heart Rhythm

Cheney Experiencing 'Abnormal' Heart Rhythm

Vice president, who has a history of heart problems, will be taken to George Washington University hospital for an outpatient procedure this afternoon, Cheney's office says. (File Photo: Getty Images)

Vice President Cheney, who has a history of heart problems, is experiencing an "abnormal" heart rhythm and will be taken to George Washington University Hospital for an outpatient procedure this afternoon, Cheney's office said today.

"During a visit with his doctors this morning, it was discovered that the vice president is experiencing a recurrence of atrial fibrillation, an abnormal rhythm involving the upper chambers of the heart," spokeswoman Megan Mitchell said in a statement.

Cheney will visit GWU Hospital for an "outpatient procedure" to restore normal rhythm to his heart, Mitchell said.

Cheney, 67, has suffered four heart attacks since the age of 37 and has had quadruple bypass surgery, two angioplasties and an operation to implant a defibrillator device to monitor his heartbeat. An electric shock was administered to his heart at GWU last November to restore his heart rhythm.

Cheney canceled an appearance at a fundraiser today in Illinois for GOP congressional candidate Marty Ozinga.

Cheney had a defibrillator implanted in 2001 to regulate his heartbeat, and doctors replaced the device last year when its battery began to reach the end of its life. Cheney also had surgery in 2005 to treat aneurysms behind his knees, was treated in 2006 after he felt short of breath, and developed a blood clot in his leg after a long trip to Asia in early 2007.