McCain Healthy but Cholesterol Concerns Remain

FOUNTAIN HILLS, Ariz., May 23, 2008— -- Despite his age, past encounters with skin cancer and history as a two-pack-per-day smoker for nearly 25 years, John McCain appears to have a clean enough bill of health for a White House run, according to medical records his campaign released to reporters today.

But some heart experts say the 71-year-old GOP senator must keep an eye on his cholesterol in order to protect his health.

"Were I to see him, I would be more aggressive with his cholesterol-lowering therapy," said Dan Rader, director of preventative cardiovascular medicine at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.

Still, the nearly 1,200 pages of health records that cover all facets of McCain's health care since his last presidential run in 2000, along with the responses his Mayo Clinic Scottsdale doctors offered to reporters, painted a picture of a man healthier than average for his age.

McCain shows no evidence of the melanoma that he has battled on and off for the past 15 years, and he appears to have a relatively low risk of heart disease. Doctors continue to treat him for slightly elevated cholesterol and blood pressure and recurrent kidney stones. McCain also regularly receives total body skin examinations to screen for any new skin cancer and is up to date with all regular check-ups.

If elected, McCain would be the oldest person to start a first term in the White House.

McCain has slight elevations in certain risk factors for heart disease. But his most recent stress test, which measures the health of the heart, showed strong heart muscle without any evidence of poor blood circulation. He can exercise without any reported shortness of breath or chest pain.

Though his father died of a stroke at age 70, McCain does not show any signs of constriction of arteries in the neck and head. The circulation to his brain is normal, according to the records.

Still, the issue of his higher-than-desired cholesterol remains. And though he kicked the smoking habit in 1980, it is something he is not shy talking about on the stump.