Heart scare for Elizabeth Taylor, 78

Elizabeth Taylor was in a Los Angeles hospital yesterday for treatment for congestive heart failure.

The 78-year-old film star disclosed in November 2004 that she suffered from the condition, which was compounded with other ailments including spinal fractures and the effects of scoliosis.

Taylor was to have attended a benefit gala last Wednesday in New York, where she was to receive an award alongside former US president Bill Clinton and designer Diane von Furstenberg celebrating their dedication to Aids research. Elton John accepted the honour on her behalf.

The actress had near-fatal bouts of pneumonia in 1961 and 1990, and another respiratory infection forced her to cancel all engagements for several weeks in late 1992.

She has also battled ulcers, amoebic dysentery and bursitis, and has had a benign brain tumour removed. In recent years, she has had to use a wheelchair when out in public.