CHICAGO -- Doctors have their work cut out for them as they examine a hospitalized Mayor Richard M. Daley: He hasn't had a full work-up in at least a decade.
Doctors said the 57-year-old mayor's blood pressure returned to normal soon after he was rushed to Northwestern Memorial Hospital complaining of chest pains Saturday afternoon.Tests performed so far have found no heart damage or coronary heart blockage. Doctors said he was in stable condition and doing well Sunday night.
Daley still must undergo tests to ensure his arteries aren't blocked and to find out why he felt ill, doctors said. The tests were expected to keep him hospitalized at least through today.
Despite a family history of high blood pressure, Daley had not had a complete physical examination in at least 10 years, said Dr. Edward Newman, the Daley family doctor.
He said that was Daley's choice. "He, as everyone else, tends not to like doctors much," said Dr. Steven DeAngeles.
Added cardiologist Dan Fintel: "We plan to make up for lost time."
Daley had scheduled an appointment with DeAngeles for next month in anticipation of a bike trip across the country that he hopes to begin this summer. The mayor is an avid cyclist and works out three or four times a week, mayoral spokeswoman Jackie Heard said.
Fintel said he hopes Daley can return to full activity. DeAngeles said Daley's blood pressure fluctuations may require treatment with medication.
The mayor's family was with him Sunday, and he had received dozens of calls from well-wishers, including President Clinton and Gov. George Ryan, Heard said.
Daley was to remain in touch with his chief of staff and City Hall staff Monday and business was to continue as usual, Heard said.
Daley's father, former Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley, died in 1976 of a heart attack.