Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman was taken to a hospital after a fall during an early morning walk near his Braddock home on Thursday. According to a statement from his office, the senator suffered "minor injuries" after hitting his face, prompted by a sudden bout of lightheadedness.

The incident was promptly shared on the senator's X account. His spokesperson elaborated that Fetterman felt dizzy due to a "ventricular fibrillation flare-up," an irregular heartbeat condition. He was then transported to a Pittsburgh hospital out of an abundance of caution.

Despite the circumstances, Senator Fetterman retained his sense of humor. “If you thought my face looked bad before, wait until you see it now!” he joked, as quoted by his spokesperson.

The Democratic senator has decided to remain in the hospital for a short period. This stay will allow doctors to adjust his medication regimen, although his team has reassured the public that he is "doing well" and under routine observation. The exact duration of his hospital stay has not been disclosed.

Senator Fetterman's health has been a recurring topic of concern. He experienced a serious health scare with a stroke in 2022, just days before securing his party's nomination in the Democratic Senate primary. In 2023, he was hospitalized after another spell of lightheadedness; however, tests ruled out any strokes or seizures. Shortly after, he sought inpatient care for clinical depression, a challenge he has openly discussed and managed throughout his life.

In a recent interview with NBC’s Kristen Welker, Fetterman expressed his commitment to public service and mental health advocacy. "It’s a risk that I wanted to take because I wanted to help people and know that I don’t want them to suffer the way — or put any kinds of despair that I’ve been in. And if that conversation helps, then that’s — I’m going to continue to do that," he stated.

The senator's health incidents have spotlighted the challenges of managing personal health issues while serving in a high-pressure public role. His openness about his struggles has been seen as a significant step in destigmatizing mental health issues, particularly in politics.