Sen. Bernard Sanders of Vermont is in “very good health,” according to a letter by his doctor released by the Democratic presidential contender’s campaign on Thursday.
Dr. Brian P. Monahan, who has been Mr. Sander’s physician for 26 years, summarized the senator’s current medical evaluation in a letter to him saying: “You are in overall very good health and active in your professional work, and recreational lifestyle without limitation.”
The letter placed the 74-year-old senator’s weight at 179 pounds, standing at 6 feet tall, with normal blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and no history of cardiovascular disease. The doctor’s note said Mr. Sanders had been previously treated for gout, high cholesterol, laryngitis, hyperthyroidism, diverticulitis — a digestive problem — lumbar strain, and the removal of skin tumors. He’s previously had surgery for his hernia and to remove a cyst from his vocal cords.
On a daily basis, Mr. Sanders takes a hyperthyroidism drug and, on occasion, an anti-inflammatory drug to reduce pain.
On Monday night’s CNN town hall, Mr. Sanders said he would release his medical records before the Iowa caucus on Monday night. Last year, rival Hillary Clinton released a two-page letter from her personal physician saying her health was “excellent.” Mrs. Clinton, the former secretary of state, suffers from seasonal allergies, hyperthyroidism and takes blood thinners as a precaution against clots, her doctor noted.
• Kelly Riddell can be reached at kriddell@washingtontimes.com.
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