Christie received a chest X-ray and EKG and everything appeared normal Watch video
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SOMERVILLE — Gov. Chris Christie is expected to be released from the hospital "early this evening" and will speak with the press at that time, according to his office.
Christie, 48, was admitted to the Somerset Medical Center at about 10:30 a.m. while he was traveling to an event in Hillsborough, said spokeswoman Maria Comella in a press briefing outside the hospital. He walked into the hospital on his own and then was taken to a room using a wheelchair, Comella said.
Christie began having trouble breathing and used his "rescue inhaler" that he keeps with him at all times, Comella said. Out of caution, the state troopers who travel with him took him to the hospital.
He has been given an EKG and chest X-Ray but doctors have identified no problems, Comella said. Doctors ruled out any cardiac problems and believe it was an issue related to his asthma, she said.
The governor's blood pressure was 118/78, Comella said.
Christie remained "alert" the entire time, Comella said.
"He's in great spirits. He's looking forward to getting back to work," she said.
He is currently undergoing tests and is with First Lady Mary Pat Christie and his brother Todd Christie, she said.
"I have some fund-raising calls he can make," he quipped.
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Todd Christie, the brother of Gov. Chris Christie, talks on the phone outside Somerset Medical Center.Christie was diagnosed with asthma at 15 years old, Comella said.
Comella said additional medical attention wasn't needed to transport Christie to the hospital and that troopers chart out nearby hospitals as a matter of routine when transporting the governor.
At the Statehouse, Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno, said "The governor is fine, I spoke to him this morning."
Asked earlier whether there would be a transfer of power to Guadagno, Christie Spokesman Michael Drewniak said: "That was never a necessary consideration. He was never incapacitated, has been alert throughout and is in contact with senior staff from the hospital."
William Palatucci, a close friend of the governor, said he had been in contact with senior staff members, who told him Christie was watching news about himself on the television and trying to do some work.
Asked whether the stress of the governor's office has exacerbated any health issues, Palatucci said Christie also had a high-stress environment while U.S. attorney for New Jersey.
Palatucci, a former law partner of the governor, said he didn't remember Christie missing work because of health problems.
"I was shocked," Palatucci said after learning that Christie had been taken to the hospital. "I talked to him yesterday. He seemed absolutely fine."
He also called off an appearance on "Ask the Governor" scheduled for 7:30 tonight on 101.5 FM in which he was to take questions.
The two black SUV's that transport the governor were parked outside the emergency room of the Somerset Medical Center, along with a tan one often used to transport his wife and children.
At town hall events, Christie often tells audiences that he has asthma.
When explaining the difference between the federal government's health care plans and New Jersey's, he describes going to his local pharmacist to refill his inhaler prescription.
Christie had been scheduled to attend a bill-signing ceremony at 10:30 a.m.
in Hillsborough, but the event was canceled.
Christie has acknowledged having trouble keeping down his weight, which was the subject of controversial campaign ads during the 2009 governor's race against the incumbent Democrat, Jon Corzine. He has been working with a personal trainer in an effort to reduce.
"I'm really struggling, been struggling for a long time with it," Christie said in an interview on the CNN program "Piers Morgan Tonight" broadcast last month. "And I know that it would be better for my kids if I got it more under control and so I do feel a sense of guilt at times about that."
Staff writer Megan DeMarco contributed to this report.
Follow Statehouse reporter Ginger Gibson's tweets from the scene on Twitter.
Previous coverage:
• Gov. Christie's hospitalization prompts varied reactions from Twitter
• Gov. Chris Christie is the latest of several New Jersey governors to wind up in the hospital
• Gov. Christie is not alone: Asthma affects millions nationwide
• Gov. Christie is taken to hospital after having difficulty breathing
• Gov. Chris Christie goes to hospital after having trouble breathing en route to event