Italian defence minister Guido Crosetto has gone to hospital with heart problems.
Italian media reported that the defence minister attended a local medical centre on foot, complaining of severe chest pains over the night of February 12/13 having been in discomfort for several hours.
Whilst there he underwent tests and although the exact origin of the ailment is unknown, hospital sources contacted by Italian news organisations said pericarditis was likely.
Pericarditis is a heart-related inflammation causing chest, arm and back pain.
Crosetto, 60, was “in very good shape and could be discharged later in the day, and health checks were still ongoing”, a ministry source said on February 13.
The minister was also hospiltalised in 2013, apparently due to heavy smoking. At the time, he made jokes about his habit and associated it with “stress”.
Also on February 12, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, 70, was taken to hospital over an “emergency bladder issue”, leaving his deputy to take over responsibilities.
According to officials, it is unknown how long he will remain in the critical care unit after being admitted.
Forza Guido ti aspettiamo più forte di prima 💪💪#Crosetto pic.twitter.com/a4w3dn9i0Q
— Lino Ricchiuti 🇮🇹 (@linoricchiuti) February 13, 2024
