Dick Cheney, 71, has heart transplant

Sunday 25 March 2012 02:00 BST

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Former US Vice President Dick Cheney was recovering today after heart transplant surgery. His office released a statement disclosing the operation and said he had been on the transplant list for over 20 months.

Aide Kara Ahern said Mr Cheney, 71, is recovering in the intensive care unit of Inova Fairfax Hospital in Falls Church, Virginia. She said he does not know the identity of the donor.

Mr Cheney had a heart attack in 2010, his fifth since the age of 37. He had bypass surgery in 1988 and two subsequent angioplasties to clear narrowed arteries. In 2001, he had a special pacemaker implanted.

During Cheney's eight years as vice president to George W Bushfrom 2001-2009, he wielded unprecedented power.

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Dick Cheney, 71, has heart transplant

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