Clinton’s family expressed relief following the surgery. “Chelsea and I thank God and the incredible medical team and staff here at New York-Presbyterian Hospital for taking such good care of my husband,” said Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton at the time.
The following year, in 2005, Clinton received treatment for a partially collapsed lung, further adding to his health struggles. In 2010, Clinton required emergency surgery to insert two stents after a vein from his bypass surgery failed. This scare prompted him to adopt a vegan diet and embrace a healthier lifestyle.
In a 2013 AARP The Magazine interview, Clinton explained, “I just decided that I was the high-risk person, and I didn’t want to fool with this anymore. And I wanted to live to be a grandfather.”
He acknowledged challenges in the transition, “The main thing that was hard for me actually — much harder than giving up meat, turkey, chicken and fish — was giving up yogurt and hard cheese. I love that stuff, but it really made a big difference when I did it.”
Clinton credited his lifestyle change with helping him lose over 30 pounds and improving his energy levels. “I wanted to do it because this health and wellness work I’ve been doing is increasingly important to me,” he added, highlighting his commitment to promoting healthier habits through the Clinton Foundation.
Though Clinton’s vegan diet helped him maintain his health for years, he faced another setback in 2021 when he was hospitalized for six days in Los Angeles due to a urological infection that spread to his bloodstream.
In spite of his health challenges, Clinton has remained active in public life. Last fall, he campaigned vigorously and delivered remarks at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. More recently, he has been promoting his latest book, “Citizen: My Life After the White House.”
As the former president undergoes observation, his team has assured the public he is in good spirits, sparking hope for a quick recovery.
