The US Vice President Dick Cheney was taken to George Washington Hospital in Washington today experiencing shortness of breath.
A hospital spokeswoman said that doctors determined he was retaining fluid because of medication he was taking because of a foot problem.
Cheney, who has a long history of heart problems and has a pacemaker in his chest, was placed on a diuretic. The spokeswoman said the Vice President was expected to be released from the hospital later today.
A foot ailment forced the 64-year-old Vice President to use a cane on Friday. Last September, Mr Cheney underwent surgery to repair aneurysms behind both knees.
He also has a lengthy history of heart problems. He has had four heart attacks, quadruple bypass surgery, two artery-clearing angioplasties and an operation to implant a special pacemaker in his chest.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies