Former Vice President Richard B. Cheney, 69, was admitted to George Washington University hospital Friday after complaining of being uncomfortable, raising the possibility of further heart trouble.
Cheney has had a history of heart attacks since before the 2000 election. In February, he suffered a mild heart attack, his fifth, and had a heart valve catheterized.
Spokesman Peter Long said the vice president was expected to remain at the hospital for the weekend.
“Former Vice President Cheney was not feeling well and was seen this afternoon by his doctors in their offices at George Washington University,” Long said in a statement. “On the advice of his physicians, he was admitted to the hospital for further testing. He is expected to remain in the hospital over the weekend.”
The statement did not make clear whether Cheney had had another heart attack or whether the current incident was related to the previous heart trouble he had earlier in the year.
Cheney has battled heart problems since suffering his first heart attack at the age of 37. But it rarely seemed to restrain his drive or intensity in office. That pace has continued since he left office, with Cheney often taking a lead role in the public critiques of President Obama.
The former vice president has offered lengthy and biting criticisms of Obama’s foreign policy, accusing him of being soft on terrorists and of failing to properly secure the country.