Gov. Mike Pence is in “excellent general and cardiovascular health” and “medically able to maintain [his] high level of professional work,” according to a letter from his doctor released by the campaign on Saturday.
The release of the letter, which gives a summary of the Republican vice presidential nominee’s health history and current health information, comes on the heels of similar releases from Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Kaine and Republican nominee Donald Trump.
Pence maintains “an excellent diet and exercise program,” and has a “very good and strong heart,” says the letter, written by Michael F. Busk, a pulmonologist at St. Vincent Health, Wellness and Preventative Care Institute in Indianapolis who has been Pence’s doctor since March 18, 2013. Busk reviewed “all” of Pence’s past medical records, according to the letter. Pence’s main form of exercise is bicycling, and he weighs 208 pounds, the letter said. He has never smoked and does not consume alcohol, and the only medication he takes is Claritin “as needed for seasonal allergies.”
The letter notes that Pence had basal cell carcinomas removed from his face in 2002 and 2010.
Pence, unlike Trump, has also released ten years of tax returns. Health issues have become a charged issue in the campaign as some Trump supporters have peddled conspiracy theories about Clinton’s health. Clinton’s recent bout of pneumonia jolted her campaign.
Pence has said both Clinton and Trump should release health records, saying the people have “a right to know.”
Trump would be the oldest first-term president in history, and Clinton the second oldest.
(via: Politico)
