I am certain we all agree that the Vice President has health issues mainly ones that most people would class as hereditary vascular ones.
During his time as VP or for that matter during any office he has held it has never IMHO affected his ability to do his job.
One only has to look at his travel and work schedule to see that. Yes he has had a few procedures during his time as VP but the very quick timescale he is back working shows rather than that he is sick that he has a very strong constitution and a quick healing body.
For example when he had a pace maker fitted in July 2001 he had the procedure done I think on the Friday or maybe even the Saturday and returned to work on the Monday no mean feat.
Even in 2005 - last Saturday he has a 6 hour elective procedure to repair aneurysms behind both knees, originally only one was going to be done but it went so smoothly the docs were able to both together (not particularly life threatening but can lead to to complications if left). Not only was he well enough to be briefed at the hospital Saturday night but leaves on Sunday morning 27 hours after he arrived and walking and is one again briefed at home Sunday afternoon.
Monday/Tuesday he worked from home, by Wednesday he is back at the White House and able with the aid of a walking stick to appear in the Rose Garden during a press briefing. Thursday he is seen at the swearing ceremony at the White House for the Chief Justice. Friday he travels to Fort Myers for the farewell to General Myers and is seen sitting on the same seats as other guests. Next Tuesday he is once again on his travels to a military base where he will deliver a speech and have luncheon.
On top of this his average daily schedule begins at about 7.00am when he is briefed at home, arrives at the White House for further briefing with the President at 8.00am, 9.00am further meetings and sorting out urgent issues of the day before embarking on the day to day work which may entail visits to the Hill; in his capacity as President of the Senate or as the President point man. He normally returns home between 6.00 and 7.00pm hardly the schedule of a sick old man.
Here is the most recent photo of him quite remarkable if you consider less than a week ago he had 6 hours of surgery. I would say it shows a strong alert man who has a few health issues which he has learned to live and conquer over 25 plus years
Mary Jo Myers, wife of retiring Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Richard B. Myers, and Mrs. Joyce Rumsfeld, wife of Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld, talk with Vice President Dick Cheney during the Armed Forces Farewell Tribute and Armed Force Hail Ceremony at Fort Myer, Va. on Sept 30, 2005
I rest my case - What is your schedule Charlie Rangel?