Former US vice president Dick Cheney is recovering in a Virginia hospital after a heart transplant.

The 71 year old has a long history of heart trouble - having his first heart attack at 37 and a device implanted in his heart two years ago.

A statement said Cheney and his family don't know the identity of the donor, but they are grateful for what they called a lifesaving gift.

Cheney enraged critics with his hawkish policies during his eight years as vice president under George W. Bush, and attacks on his legacy have continued to dog him long after he left public life.

Michaela Cabrera, Reuters.