British Prime Minister Tony Blair’s Heart Problems

Look at this picture of the vibrant British prime minister, Tony Blair. Does he look like someone who’d have heart problems?

Unfortunately, yes. Heart disease doesn’t manifest itself so obviously in a person’s appearance which means that hearty, healthy people like Prime Minister Blair are not immune. In fact, the Prime Minister apparently began having symptoms of heart disease 15 years ago.

In October 2003, he suffered arrhythmia serious enough to warrant cardioversion (electric shock). In 2004, he had to be kept overnight for a repeat occurrence of abnormal heart rhythm and needed cardiac catheter ablation to destroy a section of the heart tissue responsible.

From the Telegraph:

The latest disclosures are embarrassing for No 10, as they again appear to call into question the veracity of statements made by Mr Blair and his officials. Mr Blair has previously rejected the suggestion that he should follow the example of the US president, who undergoes an annual health check by the White House physician, who then gives a press conference.

Personally, I don’t think an undisclosed health condition should make us question whether Mr. Blair lied about affairs of state but I’m no political junkie. What I’m more concerned about is the missed opportunity for health education.

According to the American Heart Association, one out of five healthy adults experience frequent or multipe types of premature ventricular beats every day. There are many reasons why a person might develop arrhythmia with the main causes being:

• Atherosclerosis
• High blood pressure
• Inflammatory or degenerative conditions

Prime Minister Blair could have taught everyone that heart disease doesn’t prevent a person from working hard and making a difference in the world. Maybe, like President Bill Clinton, he still can.

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