Former Vice President Dick Cheney was hospitalized on Monday after experiencing chest pains, and his office said he was resting comfortably while doctors evaluated the situation.

Cheney, 69, who served as vice president from 2001 to 2009 under President George W. Bush, has had a long history of heart ailments and has had an implanted heart defibrillator since 2001.

Former Vice President Cheney is in George Washington Hospital after experiencing chest pains, his office said in a statement. His doctors are evaluating the situation and he is resting comfortably.

Cheney has had four heart attacks, the most recent one shortly after the November 2000 election that saw him elected as vice president. That attack was described as mild and shortly thereafter he had the defibrillator implanted.

Cardioverter defibrillators monitor the heart and shock it back into a normal rhythm if abnormal beating occurs.

The device was replaced in 2007 because its battery was wearing down. Cheney's office said at the time that the defibrillator was functioning properly and had not treated any abnormal heart beats.

George W. Bush