Former prime minister P V Narasimha Rao was on Friday admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Delhi after he complained of breathlessness. His condition is critical.

The 83-year-old Congress veteran was rushed to the hospital early on Friday morning. After treatment, his condition improved. He had breakfast and then went to sleep.

But sometime later, he suffered cardiac arrest. He responded to treatment. His blood pressure and heartbeat are now stable but AIIMS spokeswoman Aarti Vij said he needs intensive care, which means his situation is critical.

The former prime minister has a history of heart problems and diabetes. He is being kept under observation in the Intensive Care Unit of the cardiac therapy department.

Defence Minister and senior Congress leader Pranab Mukherjee and Telugu Desam Party leader Yerran Naidu were among those who visited the hospital to check on him.

Rao's daughter is with him in the hospital.