ROME--  Doctors report that ex-prime minister Giulio Andreotti has passed a "peaceful" night in hospital, where he was admitted with heart problems.

 The 93 year-old's condition is still considered serious, but he appears to be alert and cheerful. His son-in-law, Marco Ravaglioli, told reporters that upon being assigned to room 17 Andreotti joked "At least I'm not superstitious." The number 17 is considered unlucky in Italian culture.

 Ravaglioli also revealed further details about the senator's illness, saying "After lunch he started having trouble breathing. He'd been suffering with bronchitis for a few weeks and still hadn't completely recovered.

The doctors have told us that this caused a change in his blood pressure, which is what caused his attack," Ravaglioli told reporters assembled outside Rome's Gemelli hospital.

"He's still in intensive care, but I hope I'm right in saying that this is only a preventative measure and not a real necessity."