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Cheney to receive heart treatment Cheney to receive heart treatment
(30 minutes later)
US Vice-President Dick Cheney is to receive treatment to correct an abnormal heart rhythm, his spokeswoman Megan Mitchell has said. US Vice-President Dick Cheney is to receive treatment to correct an abnormal heart rhythm, his spokeswoman has said.
Mr Cheney has cancelled a planned political event and will undergo a procedure at George Washington University Hospital. Mr Cheney has cancelled a planned political event in Illinois and will undergo a procedure at George Washington University Hospital.
Mr Cheney, 67, has had four heart attacks, quadruple bypass surgery and operations to clear blocked arteries.Mr Cheney, 67, has had four heart attacks, quadruple bypass surgery and operations to clear blocked arteries.
He was also fitted with a pacemaker seven years ago.He was also fitted with a pacemaker seven years ago.
"During a visit with his doctors this morning, it was discovered that the vice-president is experiencing a recurrence of atrial fibrillation, an abnormal rhythm involving the upper chambers of the heart," said Ms Mitchell. "During a visit with his doctors this morning, it was discovered that the vice-president is experiencing a recurrence of atrial fibrillation, an abnormal rhythm involving the upper chambers of the heart," said his spokeswoman, Megan Mitchell.
The vice-president has had similar treatment in the past. In July 2007, he received cardioversion - a procedure that involves the delivery of an electric impulse to the heart. It is believed that Mr Cheney will not need to stay in the hospital overnight.
Stroke risk
The vice-president has been treated for the condition before. In July 2007, he received cardioversion - a procedure that involves the delivery of an electric impulse to the heart.
In 2005, Mr Cheney underwent surgery to repair damaged arteries in his knees and in 2007 he had an operation to replace the battery in his pacemaker.
However, doctors gave Mr Cheney a clean bill of health at his last routine medical check-up in July this year.
About 2.8 million Americans suffer from atrial fibrillation, the most common type of heartbeat irregularity.About 2.8 million Americans suffer from atrial fibrillation, the most common type of heartbeat irregularity.
The condition prevents the heart from pumping blood effectively around the body, increasing the risk of blood clots and strokes.