French president Nicolas Sarkozy will reduce his engagements for a few days after suffering a dizzy spell brought on by jogging in hot weather and a heavy workload, his office said today.
The French leader spent the night in hospital after falling ill while running, due to a combination of physical effort and tiredness, but not any cardiac problems, Mr Sarkozy's office said.
"The diagnosis is a faintness from a sustained physical effort in great heat without a loss of consciousness, in a context of fatigue stemming from a heavy workload," his office said in a statement.
Known as the "hyperactive president" because of his frantic diplomatic, political and sporting schedule, the 54-year-old suffered a dizzy spell while running in the park of the Chateau of Versailles yesterday.
He had to lie down before being flown by helicopter to the Val-de-Grace military hospital in Paris. He walked out of hospital today, accompanied by medics and his wife.
The presidential office said he underwent cardiological and other tests, and that no medical treatment was prescribed.
"A few days of relative rest were recommended," it said, adding that Mr Sarkozy would cancel his appointments for tomorrow but chair a cabinet meeting on Wednesday as planned.
French presidential health problems have traditionally been kept almost secret from the public - former president Francois Mitterrand was diagnosed with cancer not long after being elected in 1981, but only revealed the information in 1992.
Mr Sarkozy promised to provide regular health updates when he took office, and results of a blood and cardiovascular health check published on July 3rd were normal.
Reuters