 
infarct |
Eisenhower had a left anterior myocardial infarction in September 1955, while on vacation at his in-laws' house in Denver. He was transported by car to Fitzsimmons Veterans Hospital and placed in an oxygen tent. His EKG showed ventricular and supraventricular premature beats. Although he developed a friction rub, he was treated with heparin [6]. Eisenhower broke with precedent and released detailed information about his illness to the public, but nevertheless, some of what the public learned was carefully choreographed [6]. Eisenhower's long term treatment included coumadin 35 mg/wk, a low fat diet, and maintenance of weight at 175 pounds [More] [6a]. |
More... |
Here are examples of how the release of information was managed:
- Mrs. Eisenhower, Vice President Nixon, presidential assistant Sherman Adams,
and the president's press secretary were quickly told of the diagnosis [6c].
Government officials were informed about the infarct 12 hours after it was
documented by EKG [6d].
- A day or two after the infact, Eisenhower's press
secretary opened Ike's oxygen tent to ask how much information should be
released at the upcoming press conference. Eisenhower was said to have
replied that they should tell the public everything. As a result,
Dr. Paul Dudley White discussed presidential details such as
bowel movements and relevant nursing care, leading to criticisms of
indiscretion
[6c].
- While in the hospital, Eisenhower wore red pajamas with 5 gold stars
on the collar [6e].
- Eisenhower's departure from Denver was delayed until he could walk to the
airplane [6e].
Much of the concern about release of information to the public arose from
a desire not to repeat the mistakes of Woodrow Wilson's administration. During
the last 8 months of that president's time in office, the only people who
had access to him were his wife, secretary, and physician.
Recall that in 1955 there was no constitutional mechanism for the transfer of
power from an invalid president to the Vice President. While Eisenhower was
hospitalized in Denver, his advisor Sherman Adams would usually spend most
weekdays with him, then fly to Washington for the Friday cabinet meetings
held by Vice President Nixon. This led to comments in the press about Adams
as "shadow president" and Nixon as "Acting President" [6e]. (It is interesting to recall that John Tyler had vigorously opposed the
term "Acting
President" when assumed the presidency after the death of William Henry Harrison.) |
