FRANCE

Sarkozy faints while jogging

07-27-2009 | AFP

Panama Star PARIS. France's President Nicolas Sarkozy was rushed to hospital yesterday after suffering a "minor" nervous complaint while exercising at his woodland weekend retreat outside Paris, officials said.

The 54-year-old leader was seen immediately by a doctor and underwent medical tests, a statement from the Elysee Palace said.

One of the president's aides said that Sarkozy was taken to the Val de Grace military hospital, after a problem related to his vagus nerve -- which helps the body regulate its heart rate -- "which is considered minor".

A condition known as vasovagal syncope can bring on a reduction in heart rate and blood pressure -- particularly if the victim is dehydrated. Sarkozy was jogging as a sun-drenched Paris saw temperatures of 28 degrees Celsius (82 degrees Fahrenheit).

A witness, speaking on condition of anonymity, said she had seen a jogger surrounded by bodyguards suddenly stumble and collapse in the wooded grounds of La Lanterne, Sarkozy's weekend home near the Palace of Versailles.

Shortly afterwards, Sarkozy's wife Carla Bruni-Sarkozy arrived at the scene on a motor scooter, the witness said. Then two helicopters -- one of them white -- landed nearby.

The white helicopter took off shortly afterwards, but the witness was unable to see who was on board. The Val de Grace military hospital, a short flight away in Paris proper, traditionally treats heads of state.