Former Vice President Dick Cheney died from complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease, his family said in a statement announcing his death on Tuesday, Nov. 4.
Cheney, who served as vice president under President George W. Bush, died on Monday night at 84, the statement said. The former vice president had long dealt with a history heart problems.
“Dick Cheney was a great and good man who taught his children and grandchildren to love our country, and to live lives of courage, honor, love, kindness, and fly fishing. We are grateful beyond measure for all Dick Cheney did for our country. And we are blessed beyond measure to have loved and been loved by this noble giant of a man,” the statement said.
An extensive history of heart issues, a heart transplant
Cheney survived five heart attacks during his lifetime, suffering the first one during his first congressional campaign at 37. As a congressional member, he suffered two additional heat attacks. The fourth occurred following the presidential election in 2000 as a battle ensued over who was the winning candidate.
Cheney had a cardiac defibrillator implanted as vice president. In February 2010, he had a fifth heart attack after leaving office. Five months later, he was outfitted with a device that helped pump blood and compensate for increasing heart congestion. He underwent a heart transplant in March 2012.
Cheney once revealed that he had the wireless function of his defibrillator turned off due to concerns terrorists might attempt to send his heart a fatal shock remotely, according to the Associated Press.
Michelle Del Rey is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at mdelrey@usatoday.com
