Bush's blocked artery was potentially life-threatening

Linda Carroll, NBC News contributor

2 hours ago

George W. Bush was one of the most athletic U.S. presidents -- jogging, clearing brush on his Texas ranch and an avid mountain biker. But his recent heart problems were a lot more serious than previously thought, according to NBC News.

What was described at the time as a routine procedure -- a blocked artery was found during a physical exam at the Cooper Clinic in Dallas -- was potentially life-threatening, according to a report in the National Journal Monday.

Bush's doctors ordered a CT angiogram, which revealed a serious blockage in one of his coronary arteries.

At his doctor's recommendation, Bush agreed to have a stent placed to open the blockage. A stent is a metal scaffolding placed into an artery narrowed by cholesterol plaque. It restores blood flow and prevents a heart attack.

While Bush’s situation was more dangerous than reported, the presence of a heavily blocked artery doesn't mean he was at risk of an immediate heart attack, say doctors who were not involved in the former president's care.

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http://www.nbcnews.com/health/bushs-bloc...ning-8C11392770