Cheney admitted to hospital with breathing difficulties

US vice president Dick Cheney was taken to George Washington Hospital in Washington early today experiencing shortness of breath, a spokeswoman said.

Lea Anne McBride said that doctors found his EKG unchanged and determined he was retaining fluid because of medication he was taking because of a foot problem.

Cheney, who has a history of heart problems and has a pacemaker in his chest, was placed on a diuretic.

McBride said the vice president was expected to be released from hospital later today.

A foot ailment forced Vice President Dick Cheney to use a cane on Friday.