Abbas successfully undergoes catheterization at Jordanian hospital

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas underwent an unannounced heart test at a Jordanian hospital on Thursday. Aides to Abbas, 73, said he was doing well after a catheterization procedure they described as successful, and that he was expected to leave Jordan Hospital later in the day. Abbas was due to return to the West Bank on Friday, they said, adding that they expect him to return to work immediately after his arrival. Palestinian officials initially said Abbas underwent an angioplasty, a treatment to help open blocked arteries. But later, they said the procedure was only a catheterization to check for blockage. The Arabic word "castara" is used to describe both procedures.