Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Successfully Undergoes Quadruple Coronary Bypass Surgery

Basketball star is expected to make a full recovery

By Alyssa Toomey Apr 17, 2015 9:51 PMTags
Kareem Abdul-JabbarGetty Images

Good news for fans of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar!

The former Lakers star has successfully undergone quadruple coronary bypass surgery, UCLA Health confirmed in a statement today, issued on behalf of the retired professional basketball player. 

Per the press release, Abdul-Jabbar was admitted to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center earlier this week with cardiovascular disease, and Dr. Richard Shemin, UCLA's chief of cardiac surgery, performed the operation on Thursday. 

Shemin told UCLA Health that the surgery was successfully and he expects the 68-year-old athlete to make a full recovery. 

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According to the statement, Abdul-Jabbar would like to thank the surgical team and staff at UCLA, his alma mater, for his excellent care. He added that he hopes to return to his regular activities soon. 

If you want to send well wishes to the basketball star, Abdul-Jabbar asks that fans show their support for others who may be struggling with similar health issues. 

The press release concluding by stating there will be no additional statements or interviews from Abdul-Jabbar, his physician or the hospital. 

Happy to hear he's having a successful recovery!

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