Chile ? Former dictator Augusto Pinochet, whose health problems have long helped him escape trial for abuses committed during his 1973-90 rule, was recovering Monday from a heart attack, although doctors said his life is still in danger.

While Pinochet was being treated at a Santiago military hospital, his foes and supporters brawled and lawyers argued over whether his latest health crisis is a legal maneuver to avoid prosecution.

Pinochet suffered a heart attack and was rushed to the hospital early Sunday. He underwent a successful emergency angioplasty to enlarge an artery and restore the flow of blood to his heart, physicians said.

Dr. Juan Ignacio Vergara, a hospital spokesman, said Pinochet was still in danger of another heart attack or complications from being hospitalized but the risk was substantially reduced, Vergara said, adding that Pinochet would remain at the hospital for at least a week.