New York Rep. Gregory Meeks Suffers Minor Heart Attack

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- New York Rep. Gregory Meeks has disclosed he suffered a minor heart attack earlier this week.

The 10-term Democrat missed votes on Wednesday and Thursday, including the vote on a two-year budget deal and the election of Rep. Paul Ryan as speaker.

Meeks later issued a statement saying he had been rushed to the hospital on Wednesday with chest pain. He said doctors were able to place a stent in a blocked artery, and he is expected to return to work in a few days.

The 62-year-old said he hopes his experience can heighten awareness about heart disease and the importance of knowing the signs of a heart episode.

Meeks said he missed other votes recently because his 90-year-old father is hospitalized and seriously ill.

Meeks represents New York's 5th Congressional District, which includes parts of Queens and Nassau County.

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