16/02/2013

Lee Kuan Yew hospitalised: Suspected Transient Ischaemic Attack

Lee Kuan Yew in hospital for observation
Former prime minister Lee Kuan Yew was hospitalised yesterday because an irregular heartbeat had led to a brief stoppage of blood flow to a part of the brain. -- MY PAPER FILE PHOTO: JAMIE KOH

Former prime minister Lee Kuan Yew was hospitalised on Friday because an irregular heartbeat had led to a brief stoppage of blood flow to a part of the brain.

A statement from the Prime Minister's Office released on Saturday said that Mr Lee was admitted to Singapore General Hospital on Friday after experiencing a suspected "Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA) associated with a prolonged episode of atrial fibrillation (i.e. irregular heartbeat)."

A Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA) is when blood flow to a part of the brain stops for a brief period of time. A person will have stroke-like symptoms which clear in less than 24 hours.

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Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore's first PM, discharged from hospital following brain-related blockage
FILE - In this April 27, 2011 file photo, Singapore's Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew waves to supporters as he arrives at an elections nomination center in Singapore. A statement from the Prime Minister's Office says the 89-year-old Lee was admitted to Singapore General Hospital on Friday, FEB. 15, 2013, after experiencing a suspected transient ischaemic attack, which occurs when blood flow to the brain stops for a period of time. The condition is associated with irregular heartbeats. (AP Photo/Wong Maye-E, File) (The Associated Press)

Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore's first prime minister, has been discharged from a hospital following a brain-related blockage, but he remains under doctors' observation.

The 89-year-old Lee was admitted to a hospital Friday after experiencing a transient ischaemic attack, which occurs when blood flow to the brain stops for a period of time. A statement from the Prime Minister's Office says he was discharged Sunday and was resting at home. He'll receive anti-coagulation treatments to discourage the formation of blood clots.

A founding member of the ruling People's Action Party, which transformed the country from a slow port city to a bustling metropolis, Lee became prime minister in 1959 and held power for 31 years until he stepped down in 1990. His son Lee Hsien Loong is the current prime minister.

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