Governor McMaster to undergo outpatient medical procedure

Gov. Henry McMaster gives his State of the State address on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Meg Kinnard)

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)– Governor Henry McMaster is going to have a minor outpatient heart procedure on Friday morning, said officials.

The Office of the Governor says he is undergoing surgery Friday to correct paroxysmal atrial fibrillation which is an intermittent irregular heartbeat.

The paroxysmal atrial fibrillation was first discovered and treated by the governor’s cardiologist, Dr. Amy Rawl Epps on April 27, 2022, when Governor McMaster was scheduled for elective outpatient orthopedic knee surgery to repair a slight meniscus tear suffered while playing tennis with the First Lady.

Officials say the doctor states the procedure as a “relatively simple” one and he is scheduled to be discharged to return home shortly following the procedure.

While the governor is undergoing his procedure Lieutenant Governor Pamela S. Evette may take executive action in case of emergency if the governor is temporarily disabled under the South Carolina Constitution.