April 23, 2009

Armstrong hospitalized after mild heart attack
Wenatchee lawmaker scheduled for surgery today

Rep. Mike Armstrong is scheduled to undergo a non-invasive heart procedure this afternoon in an Olympia hospital after suffering a mild heart attack Wednesday evening at the state Capitol campus.

The 12th District lawmaker was to receive an award at the governor's mansion for supporting state parks. He was walking up the steps to the governor's mansion across the street from the Legislative Building when he began to feel ill. The Washington State Patrol assisted Armstrong and he was taken to Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia for tests.

Doctors confirmed this morning that Armstrong suffered a mild heart attack. They discovered some blockage in one of the blood vessels to his heart. They have scheduled an angioplasty for this afternoon to clear the blockage.

According to an aide, Armstrong, R-Wenatchee, has remained alert and did all the right things to respond to the heart symptoms, including getting immediate medical attention.

House Republican Leader Richard DeBolt announced the news to lawmakers this morning and issued the following statement:

“Mike had been working extremely hard these past several weeks of the legislative session. The long hours and stress can be difficult in the best of circumstances. We were relieved that he sought help and received immediate care from the State Patrol and emergency medical staff,” said DeBolt, R-Chehalis. “I spoke with Mike yesterday evening and he was doing really well. He actually wanted to be back at work last night, but he agreed to wait for test results which showed he needs additional care. Mike has a lot of friends here in Olympia who are sending their good wishes and prayers. We are confident that he’s in good hands at St. Peters, and knowing Mike he will be back on the job as soon as his doctors give him the green light.”

More information about Armstrong's recovery will be released as it becomes available.

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For more information, contact: John Sattgast, Senior Information Officer: (360) 786-7257