Gov. Henry McMaster, R-S.C., was put under anesthesia Friday for heart surgery, his office announced in a statement.
Dr. Amy Rawl Epps, the governor’s cardiologist, described the outpatient procedure as “very successful.”
“The governor underwent a procedure for atrial fibrillation performed by my partner, Dr. William Brabham,” Epps said in a statement. “The procedure lasted one hour and fifty minutes and was very successful and uncomplicated. He is recovering well.”
McMaster was treated for “paroxysmal atrial fibrillation,” a condition in which some chambers of the heart beat out of sync with the others.
On Thursday, Epps called the procedure “relatively simple.” She added that McMaster “had an extensive cardiac workup” and “has very normal cardiac function and no evidence of significant coronary artery disease.”
McMaster saw the surgery go according to his cardiologist’s plans. He is set to leave the hospital later on Friday, according to his office.
According to the state constitution, the lieutenant governor can act as the governor in an emergency if the governor is temporarily disabled. McMaster informed the lieutenant governor of his plans to be put under anesthesia.
The governor underwent a similar procedure in 2022. At the time, he was scheduled for arthroscopic knee surgery after tearing his meniscus during a game of tennis with his wife. He discovered his heart condition during an electrocardiogram before his knee surgery.
McMaster, 76, is the oldest governor in South Carolina history and the third-oldest governor currently serving.
The governor’s office expects him to resume his normal work schedule Saturday.
The Associated Press contributed to this article.