Fayette superintendent Shelton sent home after emergency room visit

Fayette County Public Schools Superintendent Tom Shelton had a problem with his blood pressure Wednesday that resulted in a colleague taking him to the emergency room.

Shelton became light-headed and nauseous shortly after 10:30 a.m. Wednesday and was taken to the emergency room as a precautionary measure, according to district spokeswoman Lisa Deffendall.

Shortly after 6 p.m. Wednesday, Deffendall said "after many tests," doctors determined that Shelton's sudden illness was due to an issue with his blood pressure. "They sent him home to rest just before 5 p.m. with medicine and instructions to do more of the things we know are good for us. He expects to return to work tomorrow."

"Thank you for the uplifting messages and well-wishes so many of you sent today," Shelton said in a statement. "High blood pressure runs in my family and I need to pay close attention to my health."

This story was originally published June 4, 2014 at 6:37 PM with the headline "Fayette superintendent Shelton sent home after emergency room visit."