Democratic US vice president nominee Joe Biden appears to be in good health, according to his medical records released to reporters Monday. The health of presidential and vice presidential candidates is an issue every election. However, this year the issue became even more important because of questions surrounding the well-being of Republican presidential nominee John McCain, who survived melanoma three times and if elected, he would be the oldest person to take office as president.

Coming back to Biden, his medical records show no reason for concern about another aneurysm. Back in 1988 a brain aneurysms nearly killed him, just months after he gave up his own campaign for president. A brain aneurysm is a bulging blood vessel, which occurs when a spot in the vessel weakens and blood pressure forces it out like a balloon. He also had a second, smaller, unruptured aneurysm that was removed a few months later.

Now, 20 years after the incident, Biden’s blood pressure is great – 120 over 78 – and his arteries look healthy, according to a letter from Dr. John Eisold, the attending physician for Congress, who described Biden’s cardiac capacity as excellent.

However, Dr. William O. Bank, a neurointerventional radiologist at Washington Hospital Center told the AP that Biden should take routine tests to see if he is at risk for another aneurysm, although the chances are small after so many years. He also added that “the likelihood that McCain would have another melanoma is greater than the risk that Biden would have another aneurysm that would rupture.”

The 49-page medical records also showed that Biden takes medication for an enlarged prostate but a biopsy found no prostate cancer. He also takes statin drug Zocor to keep his cholesterol in the healthy range. The only thing that drew attention were two episodes of irregular heartbeat called atrial fibrillation two years ago. However, two medical examinations showed no cardiovascular disease. His doctor at that time said the episodes might have been triggered by drinking too much coffee and a busy schedule. In fact, Biden was recommended less caffeine, more exercise and a precautionary blood-thinning aspirin.

“Sen. Biden obviously had a complete workup and passed with flying colors,” American Heart Association President Dr. Tim Gardner said after he was read Biden’s cardiac test results.

He also suffers occasional back pain, as well as chronic sinusitis and severe seasonal allergies dating back to childhood, when he was diagnosed with asthma. Earlier this year, he underwent surgery to correct the sinus condition, which is a minor procedure.

Biden’s rival, Republican Sarah Palin, has not released any of her medical information. She is 44 years old.

Also, Democrat Barack Obama did not released actual records, though his personal physician wrote a letter in which he described the candidate’s health as excellent.