'Vajpayee stable but has developed pneumonia'

The condition of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, admitted in AIIMS following respiratory infection and fever, was stable even as attending doctors said he has developed pneumonia.

The condition of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, admitted in AIIMS following respiratory infection and fever, was on Wednesday stable even as attending doctors said he has developed pneumonia.

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"When he came here he had fever and chest congestion. After investigations, we had found he had pneumonia. His condition is stable," said Dr Sampat Kumar, chief cardio- thoracic and vascular surgeon at All India Institute of Medical Sciences.

"We are taking extra care because of his advanced age. Generally this congestion affects the functioning of the heart also. Because of the infection, a patient has to make effort for breathing which puts stress on the heart.

"Though he (Vajpayee) does not have a history of cardiac ailments but such infection may result in congestive cardiac status," another attending doctor requesting anonymity told PTI.

Earlier in the day, AIIMS officials had announced that the 84-year-old leader, who was admitted last night, spent a restful night and the congestion was less.

"He will be under observation for the next three to four days," said D K Sharma, Medical Superintendent of AIIMS.

Sharma clarified that the Vajpayee was not in the ICU and he is admitted in an adjoining room for the security reasons. "He is breathing normally," Sharma said.

"Routine tests were conducted on Vajpayee which were normal," Sharma said, adding "currently we are not allowing anyone to meet him except his family members".

The veteran leader is also suffering from hypertension and diabetes which need to be taken care of, Sharma said.