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Ruth Bader Ginsburg Undergoes Heart Procedure

The SC Justice is resting comfortably after treatment for an arterial blockage

by
Zachary Schrieber
November 26, 2014
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg(Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg(Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

On Wednesday morning, Ruth Bader Ginsburg underwent a small procedure to place a stent in her right coronary artery after experiencing discomfort during exercise. Ginsburg, 81, has exercised twice a week since undergoing treatment for colon cancer in the late 1990s. (Fun fact: she shares a trainer with Justice Elena Kagan.) A few years ago, she was treated for pancreatic cancer.

Last year, when asked about her health issues, Ginsburg said that as long as she can serve on the court, she plans to do so. She has not missed one day in court in the last 15 years.

“As long as I can do the job full-steam, I would like to stay here… I have to take it year by year at my age, and who knows what could happen next year? Right now, I know I’m OK.”

The court said Ginsburg is now resting comfortably and should be discharged within 48 hours.

Zack Schrieber is an intern at Tablet Magazine. Follow him on Twitter @zschrieber.