Baldasaro Released From Hospital After Heart Attack

When Londonderry Rep. Al Baldasaro suffered a heart attack at the Statehouse last Thursday, he was fully aware of what was happening as he drove himself to Concord Hospital, according to his girlfriend Judy Seppala.

"He was afraid what would happen if he ended up having an ambulance showing up at the Statehouse," she said.

Seppala told Londonderry Patch that Baldasaro is now resting and recovering, released from the hospital at 1 p.m. on Sunday.

"He will be taking physical therapy to recover from the damage from the heart attack," Seppala said.

During his short stint in the hospital, which Seppala is referring to as a "temporary setback," his kids were also there with him. She said that they have since returned to school.

As for Baldasaro's return, he wasn't forgotten on the drive home.

A family friend, Ann Chiampa, had a sign waiting for Baldasaro at the end of the Exit 5 ramp.

On the left, the sign had Baldasaro's re-election emblem. On the right, it read "he's all heart" in big bold letters.

"She was aware that Al was in the hospital and wanted to make sure she did something for him," Seppala said.

According to Seppala, Baldasaro's father died of a heart attack, so coronary problems are hereditary.

While a doctor will let Baldasaro know when he can get back to work up in Concord, now he is working on sticking to a heart-healthy diet.

"Al is the best patient, he doesnt' complain about anything," Seppala said. "He is one tough marine."

After word of the incident was released by Seppala on Baldasaro's Facebook, messages of support flooded in from friends, family and fellow representatives.