Cheney has 'abnormal' heart rhythm

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By Jon Ward

UPDATED, 4:17 p.m.:

Doctors successfully treated Vice President Dick Cheney for an "abnormal" heart rhythm on Wednesday, after the condition was discovered earlier in the day, the White House said.

"An electrical impulse was delivered to restore the heart to normal rhythm. The procedure went smoothly and without complication," said Cheney spokeswoman Megan Mitchell. "The vice president is home and resumed his normal schedule."

Mr. Cheney canceled a trip to Illinois after doctors discovered an "abnormal" heart rhythm during a routine examination Wednesday morning.

Physicians found "a recurrence of atrial fibrillation, an abnormal rhythm involving the upper chambers of the heart," Ms. Mitchell said.

Mr. Cheney visited George Washington Hospital on Wednesday afternoon "for an outpatient procedure," Ms. Mitchell said.

Mr. Cheney cancelled his trip to a fundraiser in Homer Glen, Ill., for a Republican congressional candidate, but did make a phone call to the reception.