Italy's Berlusconi kept in hospital for heart tests

Reuters ^ | Nov. 26, 2006 | Antonella Ciancio

[FairOpinion]

MILAN, Nov 27 (Reuters) - Silvio Berlusconi was spending the night in a hospital intensive care unit after the former Italian prime minister said he had a heart problem, adding to speculation about his political future.

Berlusconi, 70, fainted as he addressed young supporters at a rally in Tuscany on Sunday. His eyes closed and his legs gave way before aides propped him up and took him off stage to be assisted by his personal doctor.

"They found something on the electrocardiogram, something like an irregular heartbeat, so they want to keep me under observation for 24 hours," Berlusconi told reporters before he was flown by helicopter from his villa near Milan to the city's San Raffaele hospital.

Berlusconi served as prime minister for five years until he was defeated by Prodi by the narrowest of margins in a general election in April.

[FairOpinion]

Berslusconi has been a staunch ally of the US in the War on Terror and in general. He was defeated by leftist socialist Prodi.

I hope some of you will say a quick prayer for Berlusconi's health and recovery.

[FairOpinion]

I just checked to make sure I remembered correctly -- Prodi won by the votes of "Italians living abroad", and fraud was suspected. I wouldn't be surprised.

[BARLF]

Berslusconi has been a staunch ally of the US in the War on Terror and in general.

Yes he was.

I hope some of you will say a quick prayer for Berlusconi's health and recovery.

Yes I will. I Liked the quip to Chirac,too. I was sorry he lost the election.