Former President George W. Bush had heart surgery Monday for a blocked artery that was found during an exam, and doctors put in a stent to open the blockage.
Bush was in high spirits afterwards.
USA Today said the news “caught the political world by surprise,” and talked about how Bush, 67, was one of the most active presidents.
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The former president should return home Wednesday and be on a normal schedule by Thursday.
The New York Daily News said it was unknown which family members were with Bush during the surgery. His parents, George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush, were in Maine.
His daughter Jenna Bush Hager tweeted:
As with any political figure, Bush’s heart problems brought out the prayerful and those with political agendas online. One took a poke at the health care act:
Of course, the easy jokes also came out, with many wondering online, “I wasn’t sure he had a heart” and other such sarcastic comments.
Supporters rallied and sent prayers and notes to Bush, who expressed his gratitude for the support, USA Today said.
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