WASHINGTON — Former Vice President Dick Cheney had a minor heart attack but was expected to be released from the hospital within a day or two, according to a statement released Tuesday by his office.

Mr. Cheney, 69, who has a history of heart problems, has been hospitalized at George Washington University since Monday after suffering chest pains.

“Lab testing revealed evidence of a mild heart attack,” the statement said. “He underwent a stress test and a heart catheterization. He is feeling good and is expected to be discharged in the next day or two.”

The former vice president began having heart problems in his late 30s.

Before the current episode, Mr. Cheney had four heart attacks, quadruple-bypass surgery and two procedures to unclog his arteries. In 2001, he underwent an operation to implant a defibrillator. In July 2007, that device, similar to a pacemaker, was replaced. He has also received electric shocks to correct irregular heart rhythms.