NEW YORK JULY 19. Pakistan Peoples Party leader Asif Ali Zardari arrived in New York from Dubai to undergo a series of tests to determine the condition of his heart at the New York University Hospital in Manhattan. “I think it’s years of cumulative stress and strain which has caught up with me,” said Mr Zardari in a telephone conversation with Dawn on Tuesday.

He said: “I think my doctors will determine whether I need a bypass or aggressive medicine therapy,” said Mr Zardari, keeping his upbeat demeanour.

Zardari, who was released last year after spending nine years in jail, had a heart-attack in Dubai.

Consequently two stents were placed in his arteries. He is accompanied by his 17-year son Bilawal.

The doctors here said that the tests would determine whether Mr Zardari needed a by-pass surgery since his heart was damaged significantly. If a by-pass operation is ruled out he could be put on aggressive drug therapy. Mr Zardari is expected to remain in New York for a week before leaving for Canada or London.