Former Philippine president in intensive care a week after arrest

MANILA (AFP) - Former Philippine leader Gloria Arroyo was moved to intensive care on Friday to stop her suffering a possible heart attack, a week after being arrested in hospital on graft charges.

The 65-year-old suffered chest pains on Thursday, and tests showed her heart was not receiving enough blood due to blocked arteries, said Ms Nona Legaspi, director of the Manila military hospital where Mrs Arroyo was being detained.

Ms Legaspi said Mrs Arroyo was suffering from ischemia - a restriction in blood supply to the heart - which can lead to a cardiac arrest if not treated properly.

"Every condition of the heart should be treated with urgency," Ms Legaspi told reporters, adding that given Mrs Arroyo's condition, she should not leave hospital for a scheduled court appearance on Monday.