Ninety-three-year-old George H.W. Bush, the country's 41st president, has been staying at a hospital in Maine after experiencing low blood pressure and fatigue on Sunday.
Jim McGrath, who is serving as spokesman for the former president, said Bush was taken to Southern Maine Health Care and will likely stay for a few days for observation. McGrath assured the public that the oldest living former U.S. president is "awake and alert, and not in any discomfort."
George HW Bush Hospitalized
Bush, the father of former president George W. Bush, attended a pancake breakfast at an American Legion Post in Kennebunkport on Saturday. He was at the event for the upcoming Memorial Day with military veterans and Brent Scowcroft, his former national security adviser.
The day's event may have taken the toll on ex-president Bush's health according to Jean Becker, the former president's chief of staff.
"I guess he partied too hard with the American Legion yesterday," reads an email she sent to Bush's family and closest friends.
Delighted to join the veterans, including my dear friend Gen. Brent Scowcroft, at the @AmericanLegion Post 159 monthly pancake breakfast in Kennebunkport today. This weekend we remember, and thank, all who have given their lives for our great country. pic.twitter.com/VQgfPmt5rw — George Bush (@GeorgeHWBush) May 26, 2018
His hospitalization came a month after he was confined at a Hospital in Houston in April due to an infection that spread to his blood the day after a funeral was held for his wife. He had just been discharged from the hospital early this month.
Bush and Barbara had been married for 73 years. Aside from George W. Bush, they are also parents to Jeb Bush who lose the 2016 Republican presidential nomination.
Low Blood Pressure
The usual symptoms of low blood pressure include dizziness or feeling lightheaded. Doctors generally consider a blood pressure reading lower than 90 millimeters of mercury for the top number or 60 mm Hg for the bottom number as low blood pressure.
Severe low blood pressure can cause the elderly to feel confused. For everyone, symptoms include cold and pale skin, fast but shallow breathing, weak but rapid pulse rate, and fatigue. Other symptoms are nausea, and lack of concentration.
The causes of low blood pressure vary and could be as simple as dehydration to serious underlying medical conditions.
It is a cause for worry when blood pressure suddenly drops and the person suddenly fainted.
Fatigue
Fatigue or tiredness can generally be easily addressed by regular exercise and a change in daily habits or routine. It can be effortlessly relieved by having enough rest and sleep.
In some less common cases, fatigue is also linked to depression.
In rare cases, fatigue can be a symptom of underlying medical conditions that need immediate medical attention.
When fatigue could not be relieved by resting or sleeping and check-ups found no other medical conditions, a person may be diagnosed with a more serious case of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
