The oldest US President to date, Joe Biden, underwent several examinations on Friday.
In this context, Vice President Kamala Harris briefly took office.
Washington DC - US Vice President Kamala Harris was US President for a short time on Friday, November 19.
Joe Biden had passed his authority to his deputy Harris, which was the first time a woman was at the head of the state in the USA - if only for a short time.
According to the White House, the reason for the transfer of power was a colonoscopy, during which US President Joe Biden was briefly under general anesthesia.
After the investigation, Biden Harris called and was in good spirits when he took office again after about 85 minutes.
This was announced by his spokeswoman Jen Psaki on Friday (November 19) on Twitter.
Because of anesthesia: brief transfer of authority under George W. Bush
In accordance with constitutional requirements, Biden informed the Chair of the House of Representatives, Democrat Nancy Pelosi, and the incumbent Senate President, Patrick Lehy, in writing about the resignation and resumption of office as US President.
Harris was serving as acting president in her office in the west wing of the White House.
The brief transfer of authority occurred under former President George W. Bush.
He, too, passed the authority over to his Vice-President for a short period of time for preventive medical checkups under general anesthesia in 2002 and 2007.
Annual US Presidential Health Checks: Joe Biden remains in office
The investigation was, according to information from the White House, a normal routine examination at the Walter Reed Military Hospital near Washington.
It is routine for US presidents to be examined at Walter Reed Hospital at least once a year.
As a rule, information on the President's state of health is also published following these examinations.
This is also the case with Joe Biden, who celebrated his 79th birthday on Friday and is thus the oldest US president to date.
After the extensive health check, his official capacity and good general health were officially confirmed.
White House Doctor Kevin O'Connor was clear on this: "The President remains a healthy, strong 78-year-old man fit to successfully carry out the duties of the presidency."
Eldest President of the United States: Joe Biden has arthritis
Nevertheless, the doctor also listed several complaints from the US President.
According to his report, Biden showed "noticeably stiffer and less fluid" movements than a year ago when walking.
In addition, an "increasing frequency and severity of throat clearing and coughing" is noticeable in public speeches.
However, both complaints are not due to a serious illness and are therefore not an immediate cause for concern.
According to the report, the president suffers from arthritis, an inflammatory joint disease.
Raised blood lipid levels and atrial fibrillation could be managed well with treatment.
During special heart examinations it was found that Joe Biden showed "no signs of heart failure".
In addition, the president's eyesight is good.
Second term despite 79 years - Biden is considering running again
O'Connor also emphasized that Biden does not smoke, drink no alcohol and exercise a total of five times a week.
The US president is of normal weight, according to the report, and is taking three prescription and two over-the-counter drugs.
At the end of 2019, Biden had already presented a medical certificate attesting to his good health during his election campaign for the presidency.
The US president is considering running for the presidency again in the next election in 2024.
However, there are doubts whether Biden will seek a second term given his old age.
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