London: WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has a serious heart condition but risks arrest if he leaves the Ecuadorian embassy in London to seek hospital treatment.

WikiLeaks supporters have told London newspapers that a lack of sunshine has also left the Australian with a Vitamin D deficiency that could result in other conditions such as diabetes and asthma.

Wikileaks co-founder Julian Assange taking part in a live video conference in Mexico City earlier this month. Credit:Ronaldo Schemidt

Mr Assange already suffers from arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat, a chronic cough and high blood pressure, reports the London Daily Telegraph.

Officials at the Ecuadorian embassy have asked for permission to take Mr Assange to hospital, but have had no reply from British authorities at the Foreign Office, it is claimed.