Bush faints at White House, recovers quickly
(KRT) WASHINGTON — President Bush briefly lost consciousness Sunday evening at the White House when he choked on a pretzel and fell to the floor while watching a televised NFL game.
A White House physician said Bush recovered quickly, but suffered an abrasion on his left cheek and a bruise on his lower lip. The president apparently fainted when his heart rate temporarily dropped after swallowing a pretzel improperly.
The incident happened about 5:30 p.m. as he watched the Miami-Baltimore playoff game, the White House said. Bush was alone in a room of the residential quarters when he fainted.
The president believes he was unconscious for a few seconds, officials said. Bush contacted a White House nurse, and a physician was summoned. Tests, including a neurological exam, indicated Bush’s blood pressure and pulse appeared normal.
Officials said Bush would travel this week as planned, including a trip to Illinois.
— Jeff Zeleny
Chicago Tribune
© 2002. Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Information Services.