Pinochet continues to recover after heart attack

Former Chilean dictator General Augusto Pinochet has continued to recover quickly from a weekend heart attack, but will remain at the Santiago Military Hospital for at least another week, doctors said today.

Pinochet remains at the intensive care unit, said Dr. Juan Ignacio Vergara, spokesman for the medical team treating him, but he may soon be transferred to a regular room. He said the 91-year-old former dictator was able to leave bed three times and remained for short periods sitting on a couch.

He has also started some therapy exercises. He is allowed visits only from close relatives, Vergara said.

Doctors had said Pinochet’s condition was no longer life-threatening or critical.

“The recovery of Gen. Pinochet has continued to progress in a positive manner,” Vergara said.

Pinochet suffered the acute heart attack early on Sunday and was taken to hospital where doctors performed an angioplasty on him.

A catheter was used to enlarge and clear a clogged artery, restoring the flow of blood to the heart.