by KYW's Tony Romeo, Ian Bush, Mike Dunn, and Kim Glovas
Embattled Pennsylvania state senator Vincent Fumo remained hospitalized in Philadelphia on Monday after suffering a heart attack the previous evening.
Fumo experienced chest pains and shortness of breath while having dinner at home on Sunday. His spokesman, Gary Tuma, says Fumo was taken to Hahnemann Hospital, where doctors determined that he had total blockage of the right coronary artery:
"After that diagnosis, cardiologist Dr. Daniel McCormick performed an emergency coronary angioplasty which opened the
blocked artery."
Fumo isn't expected to be released anytime soon. Doctors at Hahnemann were being cautious after inserting a metal stent into his right coronary artery to free a complete blockage, and restore the flow of blood.
Fumo, 64, had several additional tests on Monday morning. Tuma says Fumo has been awake and has spoken with family members and friends, but was experiencing some discomfort.
Tuma says as is normal in a case like this, Fumo will be listed in critical condition for at least the first 24 hours, but that his condition was stable.
Fumo had been recuperating from back surgery performed on February 19th (see related story).
In 1996 Fumo had undergone heart surgery at the Cleveland Clinic to repair a leaking mitral valve.
But health isn't Fumo's only problem. He is facing three opponents in the upcoming Democratic primary as he seeks re-election, and is facing trial in the fall on federal corruption charges.
Philadelphia labor union leader John Dougherty, who is among those opposing Fumo in the April primary, has decided to postpone his campaign kick-off scheduled for Tuesday because of Fumo's condition. Instead he'll hold it on Thursday.
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