RIO DE JANEIRO: Brazil's former president Jose Sarney, currently leader of the country's senate, underwent angioplasty in Sao Paulo, a doctor at the hospital where he is being treated said Sunday.
"His condition is stable. After undergoing heart treatment with a catheter, and an angioplasty with a stent, he will remain in intensive care through Monday," said doctor Kalil Filho at Hospital Sirio Libanes.
Sarney, 81, should be in the hospital for about a week, the doctor added.
Sarney served as Brazil's president from 1985 and 1990, but he is also a writer and the longest-serving member of Brazil's Congress. He was Brazil's first civilian leader following a long military dictatorship from 1964 to 1985.
He owns a number of newspapers and television stations in the state of Maranhao, where he also served for a time as governor.