Spokesman: Iowa governor released from Des Moines hospital

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad was released from a Des Moines hospital on Tuesday after receiving treatment for flu and dehydration.

Branstad spokesman Jimmy Centers said the governor was in good condition when he was released and is resting at Terrace Hill, his official residence. Branstad's public appearances for the week have been cancelled so that he can recuperate.

Branstad, 68, was taken by ambulance to a hospital after he required assistance at a ribbon-cutting event for a new research center at DuPont Pioneer in the Des Moines suburb of Johnston.

Branstad's personal physician, Dr. Kevin Cunningham, released a statement saying the governor had a mild case of flu and dehydration. The hospital conducted tests and ruled out other contributing factors, including cardiac issues for which he's been previously treated.

"Branstad will be able to resume a normal work schedule in the near future," Cunningham said.

Branstad also received intravenous fluids to help with the dehydration.

Branstad struggled with his speech Monday and lost his balance. He was offered a chair before being helped to lie on the floor.

Branstad, who recently was re-elected to a sixth non-consecutive term, had a heart attack in December 2000 and doctors inserted a stent in his heart to keep an artery open. In May 2010, Branstad's doctor located a partially blocked artery in his heart during a routine angiogram. Branstad had a second stent inserted in his heart. He returned to the campaign trail a few days later.

Last month, Branstad had outpatient surgery to treat varicose veins in his legs.