The shock of that event (she thought they might be killed) prompted a minor stroke.

ECONOMIST: Raisa Gorbachev

In April 2006 he suffered a minor stroke four months before general elections.

BBC: Zambia leader undergoes surgery

She is expected to undergo detailed tests which should determine whether she did suffer a minor stroke as suspected last week.

BBC: 'Frail' Margaret stays in hospital

She had a minor stroke seven years ago but said she had been determined to carry on and said she was lucky to make a good recovery.

BBC: Cumbrian couple mark golden wedding with marathon

Considering that Pol Pot was about 73 and had a history of ill health -- in recent years, he suffered a minor stroke and had cardiac problems -- a heart failure is perfectly feasible.

CNN: BEYOND POL POT