BERKELEY — Bill Bradley abruptly veered off the campaign trail Friday to seek treatment for an irregular heartbeat, a condition first diagnosed in 1996. Aides minimized the incident, saying the Democratic presidential candidate would resume his schedule after a day's rest.
The 56-year-old former professional basketball star, who first experienced discomfort Thursday night, canceled an afternoon appearance at the Berkeley Marina. By the time Bradley arrived at a hospital, his heart had "converted to a normal heart rhythm and no therapeutic action was needed," said the physician who examined him, Ed Anderson, in a statement released by the campaign.
The campaign also released a letter from Bradley's personal physician, written Thursday, detailing the results of a Dec. 3 examination in which the doctor noted Bradley's condition and a medication he has been using to treat it. The letter stated that the former senator from New Jersey had "no structural heart disease."
"Thus, this rhythm does not in any way interfere with your ability to function," wrote Dr. Robert H. Heissenbuttel.
Still, from a political standpoint, most observers agreed Friday's incident was not helpful, to say the least.
"Obviously it's a story you'd rather not have to deal with," said Paul Maslin, a Democratic pollster who is neutral in the party's contest. "You don't need any doubts going on, particularly when you're a challenger and it's an uphill fight to begin with.
"While it could mean very little, it could also raise questions in people's minds about his fitness for the job."
Campaign officials said Bradley started feeling "mild discomfort" Thursday night in Sacramento after he arrived from an event in Los Angeles. Bradley spoke at a Friday morning news conference on the steps of the state Capitol, then decided about midday to seek treatment after he attended a Berkeley fund-raiser. Meanwhile, about 200 Berkeley supporters and roughly two dozen reporters who had gathered for an environmental news conference were left standing on a grassy hillside overlooking the sparkling marina.
"His spirits are good," Eric Hauser, a spokesman for the Bradley campaign, declared hours later. "He knew what this condition is. He's handled it, and he's in excellent shape. On we go."
About 2 million Americans have an atrial fibrillation disorder, or irregular heartbeat. In 1991, President Bush was hospitalized for treatment after complaining of shortness of breath and fatigue while jogging at Camp David.
