Former dictator Augusto Pinochet was conscious and talking today, but doctors said his condition is still life-threatening after suffering a heart attack.

Former dictator Augusto Pinochet was today fighting for his life at a Chilean military hospital after suffering a heart attack, but doctors said he was improving after an emergency angioplasty to restore blood flow to his heart.

Doctors tonight ruled out bypass surgery on Chile’s former dictator Augusto Pinochet, who is fighting for his life at a military hospital after suffering a major heart attack.