The chief of staff of French President Nicolas Sarkozy said that the president is “doing well” in hospital after collapsing during a weekend jog.

Claude Gueant, the chief of staff, also said that the ailing leader was urged to cut back on his grueling schedule. He added that Sarkozy was suffering from a “minor” problem related to his vagus nerve, which helps the body regulate the heart rate.

Sarkozy, 54, collapsed Sunday while running at his weekend retreat near the Versailles palace west of Paris. He was taken to a military hospital in the capital by helicopter after the incident.

The French leader, who took office in May 2007, is scheduled to leave the Val de Grace Hospital later on Monday.

A condition known as vasovagal syncope can reduce the heart rate and blood pressure–particularly if the victim is dehydrated. Patients can faint but normally make a complete recovery, medical experts said.

Sarkozy is a fitness enthusiast and his annual health-up, released just over three weeks ago, was normal.

(via AFP)