US vice-president in hospital

2006-01-09 13:25

Washington - United States vice-president Dick Cheney was rushed to hospital early on Monday for shortness of breath and "apparently retaining fluid," CNN television reported.

Cheney, who has had heart trouble, was apparently retaining fluid in connection with medication he was taking for a foot problem, CNN said.

The US vice-president was taken to George Washington Hospital in the US capital city around 15:00, the network added.

In September Cheney underwent surgery to remove blood clots behind each of his knees. Cheney's office said he underwent the elective surgery after doctors found an aneurysm behind his right knee during a routine check-up earlier this year. His office had not mentioned the aneurysm behind his left knee.

Left untreated, such an aneurysm could lead to the need for amputation.

Cheney underwent angioplasty in November 2000 after suffering his fourth heart attack since 1978. He had a cardioverter defibrillator implanted in June 2001 to regulate his heartbeat.

- AFP