'I don't want to die, please don't let me die': Last words of Hugo Chavez revealed as medics admit president died of heart attack

President Hugo Chavez died of a massive heart attack after great suffering and inaudibly mouthed his desire to live, the head of Venezuela's presidential guard has said.

'He couldn't speak, but he said it with his lips...'I don't want to die. Please don't let me die,' because he loved his country, he sacrificed himself for his country,' General Jose Oella said.

The general said he spent the last two years with Mr Chavez, including his final moments, as Venezuela's president of 14 years battled an unspecified cancer in the pelvic region.

Mr Oella spoke outside the military academy where Mr Chavez's body lay in state. He said Mr Chavez's cancer was very advanced when death came but gave no details.

The govement said on the eve of Mr Chavez's death that he had suffered a severe new respiratory infection.

It was the second respiratory infection reported by officials after he underwent his fourth cancer surgery in Cuba on December 11.