Statement by Press Secretary Fitzwater on the President's Health

The President spent a comfortable night, sleeping well. He awoke at 6 a.m., did paperwork, and spoke with Governor Sununu by phone.

The President is in great spirits, but still has atrial fibrillation. There are no signs of heart damage and no evidence of a heart attack. The President has no other symptoms and feels completely normal. This is corroborated by the blood and x-ray tests which were examined this morning.

The President continues to take digoxin for the atrial fibrillation. This is now being supplemented by the drug procainamide, which is a normal procedure in such cases. The President will remain at the naval hospital today for observation on the drugs.

The President's Physician, Dr. Burton Lee, is supervising the team of physicians who are attending to the President. Dr. Bruce K. Lloyd, captain, U.S. Navy, chief of cardiology at the naval hospital, is directing the President's care. Dr. Allan Ross, chief of cardiology at George Washington University Hospital, is consulting on the President's case.

Mrs. Bush spent the night at the hospital and departed for the White House a little past 7 a.m. She will return to the hospital later today.

The President received a call from Vice President Quayle early this morning, before the Vice President went to church.

The President also spoke this morning with General Brent Scowcroft, his national security adviser; Secretary of State Baker; Secretary of Defense Cheney; and Secretary of Commerce Mosbacher. These were personal calls. There have been no special security concerns.

General Scowcroft and Governor Sununu will meet with the President about mid-morning to provide their routine national security briefing and to discuss other policy matters.

The President also spoke this morning with his son Marvin and his daughter, Dorothy.

The President has received a number of messages from world leaders wishing him good health.