Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman was hospitalized Thursday after a morning walk near his home in Braddock took a sudden turn when he became lightheaded and fell. The 56-year-old Democrat was taken to a Pittsburgh hospital as a precautionary measure, with minor injuries reported to his face.
Fetterman had been experiencing symptoms of ventricular fibrillation, an irregular heart rhythm that caused him to feel unwell before the incident. He remained in the hospital for observation and adjustments to his medication.
The fall is the latest in a string of health-related issues Fetterman has faced since taking office, including a 2022 stroke during his Senate campaign and a recent hospitalization due to lightheadedness at a Democratic retreat.
Fetterman has been open about his struggles with clinical depression and depression treatment at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. His new memoir "Unfettered" delves into his health issues, including a change in his political outlook as he sometimes breaks with Senate Democrats on key issues.
Despite being part of the party that prioritizes Affordable Care Act subsidies, Fetterman voted for a Republican bill this week without extending those subsidies, which were set to expire at the end of the year. He has defended his decision, stating that "we need to be the party of order and logic."
In interviews with various news outlets, Fetterman expressed hope that Democrats will push for ACA extensions but acknowledged that negotiation with Republicans is essential due to their majority in the House.
Fetterman's health issues have also led to scrutiny from both parties. He has been criticized by some Democrats for his support of Israel in its conflict with Palestine, while Republicans have jumped to his defense after a New York Magazine story detailed staffing concerns and emotional outbursts.
In an interview on CBS News, Fetterman acknowledged that he faces criticism from the left, saying "We're cheering for your next stroke."
Fetterman had been experiencing symptoms of ventricular fibrillation, an irregular heart rhythm that caused him to feel unwell before the incident. He remained in the hospital for observation and adjustments to his medication.
The fall is the latest in a string of health-related issues Fetterman has faced since taking office, including a 2022 stroke during his Senate campaign and a recent hospitalization due to lightheadedness at a Democratic retreat.
Fetterman has been open about his struggles with clinical depression and depression treatment at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. His new memoir "Unfettered" delves into his health issues, including a change in his political outlook as he sometimes breaks with Senate Democrats on key issues.
Despite being part of the party that prioritizes Affordable Care Act subsidies, Fetterman voted for a Republican bill this week without extending those subsidies, which were set to expire at the end of the year. He has defended his decision, stating that "we need to be the party of order and logic."
In interviews with various news outlets, Fetterman expressed hope that Democrats will push for ACA extensions but acknowledged that negotiation with Republicans is essential due to their majority in the House.
Fetterman's health issues have also led to scrutiny from both parties. He has been criticized by some Democrats for his support of Israel in its conflict with Palestine, while Republicans have jumped to his defense after a New York Magazine story detailed staffing concerns and emotional outbursts.
In an interview on CBS News, Fetterman acknowledged that he faces criticism from the left, saying "We're cheering for your next stroke."
, can't even go for a walk without having a health scare 
. His face injuries look pretty minor though 
, so fingers crossed everything goes well and he's back to normal soon 
.
, not because I disagree with him or anything 
, but more because we need people who can make informed decisions without having major health issues 
, and we should be supporting him through that 
, 'cause it seems like we're seeing way too many politicians with health issues lately 
. Anyway, hoping for a speedy recovery and that his meds kick in soon 
.
. I think it takes a lot of courage to write a memoir like "Unfettered" and share your story with the world 
.
. I'm not sure what to make of his decision on the ACA subsidies this week... it's definitely not a simple issue 
. Can we really blame him for trying to find common ground with Republicans when they have a majority in the House? 
. I think Sen Fetterman is being unfairly criticized by both parties, tbh 
.
as a productivity enthusiast, I've learned to prioritize my own well-being too - making time for self-care & meditation 
has been a game-changer for me. on a related note, have you guys tried setting reminders for your doctor's appointments or medication schedule? 
it can be a lifesaver! 
but a whole lotta other things too... did u see that crazy interview where ppl are like "cheer for ur next stroke" lololol 
& yeah, voting against ACA subsidies was a pretty big move 
especially when his party is all about keepin' affordable care accessible 
. What's next? Will he be the one needing oxygen therapy on the Senate floor? 
he's been open about his health issues and all, but this is taking it to a whole new level. what's really going on with him? 
I need sources on this before I start believing it 
. I feel for him, he's just trying to do his thing and lead the Senate 
They're kinda crucial for people who need them, you know? 
. And what's up with all the criticism from Democrats? Can't they see that Fetterman's trying to break with the party on key issues? It's like, he wants to be part of the solution, not just go through the motions. 
🜌️. And, tbh, being part of a party that can't agree with itself is hard enough; it's even harder when you're literally dealing with a life-or-death health crisis 
. Can't we just give the guy some love and respect for speaking his truth? 
.
because he's always speaking his truth, even if it means going against the party line. That takes so much courage! 
. Poor guy, seems like he's been through a lot already - stroke, depression, lightheadedness... and still trying to do his job as senator 
Fetterman's been open about his struggles and its great that he's speaking out. Now we just gotta wish him a speedy recovery and hope that he can keep doing what he does best - serving his constituents