MOSCOW (Sputnik) – Berlusconi was hospitalized with a heart condition on Tuesday, with media reports claiming that his life was not endangered.
"In this case, there is only one way – replacement of the aortic valve. The replacement is a conventional cardiac surgery that involves extracorporeal circulation and direct view of the heart," Alberto Zangrillo said, as quoted by Il Messaggero newspaper, adding that the operation would take place next week.
Berlusconi, 79, was the Italian prime minister three times, occupying the post in 1994-1995, 2001-2006 and 2008-2011.
