White House Denies Rumor That Reagan Had Heart Attack

White House spokesman Larry Speakes delivered a glowing report on President Reagan’s health Friday, denying rumors that began in foreign bond markets that Reagan had suffered a heart attack.

“He’s hale and hearty, ruddy and robust, vigorous and virile, strong and sturdy, fit and feisty,” Speakes said.

Aides said the White House press office was swamped with telephone calls about Reagan’s health. The rumors, they said, apparently started in the London bond market and spread to other financial centers.

Speakes said Reagan “was surprised at the rumors of his heart attack and he’s pleased he has pulled off another Mark Twain.” The author once said: “The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated.”