M
Marge
Thought this might be interesting. In another story they say he had supraventicular tachycardia; here they say it was "atrial flutter." Full story at BBC ONLINE http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/3705684.stm
Blair heart treatment 'successful'
Tony Blair has said he is "absolutely fine" after hospital treatment to correct an irregular heartbeat.
Mr Blair arrived back in Downing Street after undergoing a procedure at London's Hammersmith hospital.
Spokesman Simon Wilde said the risk of recurrence was "very low" and that the "atrial flutter" had been eliminated.
Mr Blair has said in a BBC interview that he intends to serve a full third term in office if elected, but he ruled out running for a fourth.
Mr Blair paid tribute to the Hammersmith Hospital staff saying: "From the porters to the doctors, nurses and consultants, their care was fantastic.
"It reflects the tremendous dedication, expertise and commitment NHS staff show everyday throughout the country."
Chancellor Gordon Brown, who is in Washington, told the BBC his thoughts were with Mr Blair and his family
"I think the whole country will wish him well.
"It's gone very successfully."
The procedure performed on Mr Blair is called catheter ablation - a simple technique which thousands of patients in the UK undergo each year.
A wire is inserted through veins into the heart cavity allowing doctors to "map" the rhythm disorder.
It is then manoeuvred next to that point and pulses of energy are sent down it which should correct the heart's rhythm.
Patients usually spend the night in hospital and are back at work within two to three days.
Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott said Mr Blair's treatment was a "regular procedure" adding he was someone who "bounced back".
[The rest of the story then goes off into British politics.]
Blair heart treatment 'successful'
Tony Blair has said he is "absolutely fine" after hospital treatment to correct an irregular heartbeat.
Mr Blair arrived back in Downing Street after undergoing a procedure at London's Hammersmith hospital.
Spokesman Simon Wilde said the risk of recurrence was "very low" and that the "atrial flutter" had been eliminated.
Mr Blair has said in a BBC interview that he intends to serve a full third term in office if elected, but he ruled out running for a fourth.
Mr Blair paid tribute to the Hammersmith Hospital staff saying: "From the porters to the doctors, nurses and consultants, their care was fantastic.
"It reflects the tremendous dedication, expertise and commitment NHS staff show everyday throughout the country."
Chancellor Gordon Brown, who is in Washington, told the BBC his thoughts were with Mr Blair and his family
"I think the whole country will wish him well.
"It's gone very successfully."
The procedure performed on Mr Blair is called catheter ablation - a simple technique which thousands of patients in the UK undergo each year.
A wire is inserted through veins into the heart cavity allowing doctors to "map" the rhythm disorder.
It is then manoeuvred next to that point and pulses of energy are sent down it which should correct the heart's rhythm.
Patients usually spend the night in hospital and are back at work within two to three days.
Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott said Mr Blair's treatment was a "regular procedure" adding he was someone who "bounced back".
[The rest of the story then goes off into British politics.]
