Senator Jim Inhofe Recovering Following Heart Surgery

Oklahoma's senior U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe is recuperating following quadruple bypass heart surgery over the weekend in Tulsa.

Jim Inhofe, 78, issued a statement after his surgery.

"During a routine doctor's visit last week, my doctor found that I had serious problems with my heart which resulted in quadruple bypass surgery this past Friday in Tulsa. The discovery shocked me as I had no visible symptoms that something was wrong. Today, I am feeling great and am fully engaged with my work here in Oklahoma. I encourage my colleagues in Washington to work with vigilance to reopen the government with a bill that represents Oklahomans and all of Americans. I may miss some upcoming votes on the Continuing Resolution, but my doctors agree I will return soon and even stronger to continue the fight to protect Oklahomans' freedoms."

We talked with him Tuesday afternoon, not long after he was released from the hospital.

"My heart has been strong," Inhofe said. "I've been very, very active and yet it happened to me, but I didn't have any warning signs, so there could be other healthy people out there that are not going to have the chest pains, dizziness and the shortness of breath that normal people would have. That's a warning sign for all of us."

Senator Jim Inhofe has been a U.S. Senator since being elected to the post in 1994. Prior to that, he served as a congressman for the first district for eight years.

He is currently the ranking member on both the Armed Services and Environment and Public Works committees.

Inhofe announced earlier this year he will be seeking another term in office.

Tulsan Matt Silverstein, who has announced he will run against Inhofe issued the following statement:

"On Friday, Sen. Inhofe underwent emergency quadruple bypass surgery. He is recovering well and surrounded by loved ones. Our hearts and prayers go to Sen. Inhofe and his family. We are all wishing Sen. Inhofe a full and speedy recovery."