Rush Limbaugh felt pains similar to heart attack

HONOLULU (AP) - Conservative talk show host Rush Limbaugh remained hospitalized in Hawaii on Thursday after experiencing chest pains similar to a heart attack, according to the guest host on his nationally syndicated radio show.

Limbaugh was rushed to a Honolulu hospital Wednesday during a vacation.

"He is being treated today, continues to rest comfortably, and remains in good spirits," The Queen's Medical Center said Thursday in a news release. "Mr. Limbaugh appreciates the prayers and well wishes of his many fans and supporters."

On the radio show, guest host Walter E. Williams described Limbaugh's pains as similar to the feeling of a "heart attack coming on." He said doctors haven't confirmed whether the 58-year-old had a heart attack, and more exams were planned Thursday.

Williams said any information about the cause of the pain would have to come from Limbaugh himself.

"He's doing very well and he appreciates your prayers and concerns," Williams said, asking callers to just say "dittos" for their well-wishes and get on to questions on political and social issues.

"Rush is in good, stable condition and as comfortable as one can be in a hospital while on vacation, but he's in good hands," he said.

Williams, an economics professor at George Mason University, was already scheduled to fill in Thursday while Limbaugh was on vacation.

Kit Carson, Limbaugh's chief of staff, told The Associated Press that Limbaugh left for his Christmas vacation Dec. 23 and was due to return to his show Jan. 4. Carson didn't have any information on whether that schedule would change.

Limbaugh broadcasts from a studio near his mansion in Palm Beach, Fla.

Honolulu television station KITV reported that paramedics took Limbaugh from the Kahala Hotel and Resort to The Queen's Medical Center in serious condition.

The report said Limbaugh was seen golfing at Waialae Country Club, a country club next to the hotel, earlier this week.