Former President Peres Successfully Undergoes Heart Procedure

YERUSHALAYIM
Former President Shimon Peres (Flash 90)
Former President Shimon Peres. (Flash 90)

Former President Shimon Peres was rushed to the hospital Thursday morning. The 92-year-old Peres complained of chest pains, and was immediately taken to Tel Hashomer Hospital outside of Tel Aviv.

Reports said that Peres had suffered a heart attack and would undergo a bypass operation. He was brought to the hospital fully conscious, and was speaking when he arrived. Doctors later said that he had undergone a catheterization procedure and was in good condition.

Rafi Valden, Peres’ physician and son-in-law, said he was feeling well after a “small heart attack.”

“His only complaint to his staff is that he cannot continue with today’s itinerary,” Valden told reporters.

For a 92-year-old, the former president has a very active life, attending many public events in Israel and around the world. Just last month, Peres attended a ceremony in China marking the opening of a major project between the Technion and Shantou University, located in Guangding province.

Peres in the past has been diagnosed with a number of heart maladies, including an irregular heartbeat, and has been hospitalized for similar issues in the past.

Peres has filled nearly every position in Israeli public life since he became the director general of the Defense Ministry at the age of 25. Peres was first elected to parliament in 1959.

He has since held every major Cabinet post — including defense, finance and foreign affairs — and served three brief stints as prime minister.

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