Jogging Sarkozy leaves hospital after scare

Sarkozy leaves hospital after jogging scare

French President Nicolas Sarkozy was released from the hospital Monday morning after a night spent under observation after he collapsed while jogging in a forest near Paris.

Sarkozy held hands with his wife, Carla Bruni, as he left the hospital, shaking hands with the medical staff before being driven away in an official car, according to Agence France-Presse.

Sarkozy fainted simultaneously with bodyguards in hot Sunday near his weekend home near the Palace of Versailles - but officials stressed that the 54-year-old was never unconscious.

One witness told AFP that Bruni came to the scene shortly after police on a scooter. Sarkozy was flown to Val-de-Grace military hospital by helicopter.

Officials said Sunday that Sarkozy was due to a state of "minor" nervous condition called syncope vasvagal, which affects the flow of blood to the heart causing the low blood pressure and faintness, according to AFP.

In a statement the hospital said the blood tests, brain scan and an electrocardiogram has revealed any abnormalities. It said Sarkozy had been encouraged to rest for several days, but no medication was prescribed.

Sarkozy was due to visit a monastery in Normandy Sunday, but the agreement is canceled in accordance with the French presidency's website. But Sarkozy is expected to chair a meeting of ministers Wednesday morning.

Sarkozy exercises regularly and is often seen running or cycling with bodyguards. Earlier this month he was photographed jogging through Central Park in New York back to the United States.
Source: CNN.com