09.11.1998 PRESS RELEASE
STATEMENT
ON THE HEALTH OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC
This statement has been prepared on the basis of the
authorization granted by the President of the
Republic on October 9, 1998 and at his own request.
It is based on an examination carried out during
autumn 1998. The health of the President of the
Republic was examined by the undersigned and a number
of specialists in the field of orthopaedics,
cardiology and radiology.
As stated in connection with previous examinations,
President Ahtisaari's knee joints are affected by
severe degenerative arthritis which will require the
installation of artificial joints over the next few
years. However, no date has been set for the
operation. The President's hip and lumbar spine are
affected by less severe degenerative arthritis.
The hypertension which had already been detected in
the 1980s has been kept in check with beta-blocker
medication and has not led to any discernible changes
in the heart. An echo examination has shown that the
constitution and functioning of the President's heart
is normal. An ergometer test revealed no signs of
coronary disease.
The constitution of the President's liver, kidneys,
pancreas and bile ducts were found to be normal, and
there was also no abnormality in the functioning of
his internal organs. There were no inflammatory
changes or tumours in the lungs. High cholesterol
levels were the only abnormalities revealed during
laboratory analysis.
Conclusion: except for overweight and degenerative
arthritis in the musculoskeletal organs, the
examination of the President of the Republic, Martti
Ahtisaari, revealed no new illnesses or findings
affecting his health or performance.
I confirm on my honour and conscience the truth of
the above-mentioned.
Helsinki, November 9, 1998
Janne Reitala
Specialist in general practice
Specialist in anaesthesiology
Helsinki University Central Hospital
Ambulance helicopter Medi-Heli
