US presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders undergoes surgery after chest pains
Bernie Sanders' opponents have sent their best wishes to the senator as he recovers from surgery.
Wednesday 2 October 2019 23:46, UK
Democratic presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders is in hospital after complaining of chest pains.
Mr Sanders' senior campaign adviser Jeff Weaver said that the senator had undergone surgery and his upcoming events and rallies had been cancelled until further notice.
"Following medical evaluation and testing, he was found to have a blockage in one artery and two stents were successfully inserted," he said.
The statement also said that Mr Sanders is "conversing and in good spirits".
Mr Sanders later tweeted to say he was "feeling good" and being cared for by doctors and nurses.
He wrote: "Thanks for all the well wishes. I'm feeling good.
"I'm fortunate to have good health care and great doctors and nurses helping me to recover.
"None of us know when a medical emergency might affect us. And no one should fear going bankrupt if it occurs.
"Medicare for All!"
Mr Sanders is one of 19 Democrats fighting it out to take on Donald Trump in the 2020 US presidential election.
He currently is the senator for Vermont, and tried to stand against Mr Trump in 2016, ultimately losing the Democratic ticket to Hillary Clinton.
Other Democrat presidential hopefuls have shared messages on Twitter, wishing Mr Sanders a speedy recovery.
Kamala Harris, a senator from California, said of Mr Sanders: "If there's one thing I know about him, he's a fighter and I look forward to seeing him on the campaign trail soon."
San Antonio mayor Julian Castro said his whole team had Mr Sanders "in their thoughts".
Mr Sanders is the oldest candidate standing for the Democratic ticket at 78, one of three over-70s hoping to represent the party.