Sen Fetterman Hospitalized for Fall, Heart Issue

Pennsylvania Democratic Senator John Fetterman was hospitalized Thursday in Pittsburgh after a heart issue caused him to fall and sustain minor facial injuries, his office said in a statement.

Fetterman fell to the ground after feeling light-headed, which was due to a ventricular fibrillation flare-up, the statement said. Ventricular fibrillation is a type of irregular heartbeat. Fetterman is remaining at the hospital for observation so doctors can “fine-tune” his medications.

“During an early morning walk, Senator Fetterman sustained a fall near his home in Braddock,” his spokesperson said. The statement continued:

Out of an abundance of caution, he was transported to a hospital in Pittsburgh. Upon evaluation, it was established he had a ventricular fibrillation flare-up that led to Senator Fetterman feeling light-headed, falling to the ground and hitting his face with minor injuries. Senator Fetterman had this to say: ‘If you thought my face looked bad before, wait until you see it now!’ He is doing well and receiving routine observation at the hospital. He has opted to stay so doctors can fine-tune his medication regimen. Senator Fetterman is grateful for the EMTs, doctors, and nurses who are providing his care.”

Fetterman, had  a stroke during his campaign for the Senate in 2022 and subsequently experienced a post stroke episode of clinical depression.

In September, he was the only Democrat to vote for a Republican-led continuing resolution to avert a government shutdown, drawing criticism from some within his caucus, some even calling for him to be primaried in 2028.