Enrile needs further medical test, says PGH doctor

Senator Juan Ponce Enrile at Camp Crame on the way to the PNP Hospital. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO/ LEO SABANGAN

MANILA, Philippines–Senator Juan Ponce Enrile is prone to heart attack and stroke, a doctor from the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) said Monday

During Monday’s trial, Dr. Jose Gonzales, PGH Medical Director recommended that Enrile be subjected to further medical examination.

He said using the Holter monitoring device for Enrile’s heart should continue.

There should also be an available competent team to respond to life threatening emergencies.

The PGH cardiologist also said that Enrile is suffering from three kinds of Arrhythmia, a problem with the rate or rhythm of the heartbeat. One of the types that Enrile has, according to the doctor, is the atrial fibrillation, the most common  type of serious arrhythmia, which could cause heart failure and stroke.

However, Gonzales admitted that  the examinations they have conducted were only the Holter monitoring, 2D echo or the ultrasound of the heart and reviewing the medical history of Enrile because they do not have the authority to bring him to PGH for thorough testing.

Enrile is currently at the PNP General Hospital. He was charged with plunder for the alleged misuse of over P172-million Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF).

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