Emperor Akihito's hospital heart treatment

Japan's Emperor Akihito is to undergo medical tests for a heart problem.

The 77-year-old royal will be admitted to the University of Tokyo Hospital tomorrow (11.02.10) for a series of coronary examinations by top medics after doctors discovered there was insufficient blood flow to his heart during a routine check-up last month.

A spokesperson from the Imperial Household Agency said yesterday: "An announcement will be made after we receive the results of the test."

In the past year, the emperor has cut back on official duties due to health reasons and has not made any foreign trips in the past 12 months.

Emperor Akihito has a history of heart problems and was found to suffer from an irregular heartbeat in 2008.

Royal aides said he was suffering from the condition supraventricular arrhythmia - which causes a faster heart rate and inflammation to the stomach - due to stress.

In 2003, the royal also underwent surgery at the same hospital to remove prostate cancer and has since been undergoing hormonal treatment to stop it returning.

At the time his son, Crown Prince Naruhito, temporarily took over his official duties as it was the first time he had left the palace grounds to be treated in a public hospital.