French President Nicolas Sarkozy was today undergoing medical tests after he felt unwell while exercising.

In a brief statement officials said Mr Sarkozy "felt faint" today and his personal doctor immediately took charge of him.

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Television reports said Sarkozy was hospitalised after his morning jogging session.

Mr Sarkozy, 54, was elected in 2007 and is regularly seen running. He is also a cycling enthusiast.

He last underwent a medical examination July 3, when his cardiovascular and blood tests were normal, the medical service of the Elysee said.

His first medical bulletin, issued shortly after his 2007 election, said Mr Sarkozy's health was "good" and compatible with his presidential duties.

During his campaign, Mr Sarkozy campaigned for greater transparency on presidential health bulletins, as it was claimed several previous French presidents had concealed health problems from the public.

However, Sarkozy's short hospital stay for a throat problem in the autumn of 2007 was revealed only three months later.