Branstad discharged from Des Moines hospital, resting ‘comfortably’

DES MOINES - Gov. Terry Branstad was released from a Des Moines hospital Tuesday morning and is 'resting comfortably” at his residence, his spokesman says.

Branstad, 68, was hospitalized Monday after becoming ill at a speaking engagement in suburban Des Moines. Doctors said they believe Branstad suffered from a mild case of the flu and dehydration. He was kept overnight for observation and received intravenous fluids.

Doctors ruled out more serious issues like a heart attack or stroke, according to a media release.

The public schedules for both Branstad Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds have been canceled for the remainder of the week. They expect to resume their schedules on Monday, Feb. 2, spokesman Jimmy Centers said.

Branstad was speaking at DuPont Pioneer in Johnston on Monday morning when he became ill and was transported by ambulance to Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines.

Branstad began losing his place during his remarks and then started losing his balance, said Sen. Brad Zaun, who attended the event.

Branstad was elected in November to his sixth term as governor. He had surgery in December to repair varicose veins and has had heart issues in the past. He had a heart attack and a stent placed in his heart in 2000, and he had elective heart surgery in 2010 to treat a partially blocked artery.