Kentucky Governor Ernie Fletcher has been rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment of a blood clot that doctors have described as life threatening. The clot is located somewhere between Fletcher's upper arm and his jugular vein.
The 53-year-old Fletcher was described as 'awake and alert' after undergoing an emergency procedure to alleviate the clot on Thursday night.
Blood clots can lead to heart attacks or strokes depending on where the blood supply is blocked off. If a clot moves to the lungs, it can prove fatal.
Fletcher had just returned home from the hospital after an 18-day stay during which he had his gallbladder removed and suffered from a blood infection. He was originally hospitalized for treatment of gallstones.
Power was transferred to Lieutenant Governor Steve Pence before Fletcher went into the hospital.
Dr. Charles Kennedy told the Associated Press that the clot was 65-70 percent removed as of Friday morning. Blood thinners and a clot removing medication were being used to eliminate the remainder of the clot.
It is not known how long Fletcher will remain in the hospital for treatment.
