Former first lady Barbara Bush is expected to be moved out of intensive care on Saturday after she underwent a successful heart surgery on Tuesday at Methodist Hospital in Houston.

 

The 83-year-old wife of former President George H. W. Bush last week experienced shortened of breath and doctors detected a hardened valve in her heart, according to the hospital.

 

After undergoing surgery to replace her heart, she was “awake and alert. I expect her to recover fully and soon resume her normal activities,” her surgeon, Gerald Lawrie said.

 

If left untreated, a hardened aortic valve can result in heart failure or sudden cardiac death, according to doctors. Shortness of breath, chest pain and dizziness are among the symptoms of a hardened aortic valve.

 

Bush has sought medical attention in the past for a number of other issues too. In November 2008 she had surgery for a perforated ulcer after doctors said she described experiencing the worst pain of her life. Ten years ago, a thyroid condition known as Graves disease reportedly caused her to lose 18 pounds in three months. In 1990, she received radiation therapy for her eyes as part of her treatment for this condition.

 

“I am very impressed with and grateful to the wonderful team of doctors and nurses at Methodist Hospital who have helped Barbara. We have every confidence she is in the best hands,” former President George H.W. Bush said.