Former US president George W. Bush has heart surgery

HOUSTON - Former US president George W. Bush underwent a successful heart surgery at a hospital in the US city of Dallas on Tuesday, his spokesman Freddy Ford said.

Former US president George W. Bush watches before the start of the MLB American League baseball game between the Texas Rangers and the Chicago White Sox in Arlington, Texas in this April 30, 2013 file photo. Bush underwent successful surgery at a Dallas hospital August 6, 2013 to place a stent in a blocked heart artery, a spokesman said. [Photo/Agencies]

During a physical examination on Monday, doctors found a blockage in the artery of the former president's heart, said Ford. "At the recommendation of his doctors, President Bush agreed to have a stent placed to open the blockage," he added.

According to the spokesman, the procedure at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas went off "without complication" on Tuesday morning.

The 43rd president of the United States was expected to be discharged on Wednesday and resume his normal schedule the following day. He is now "in high spirits" and eager to return home, said Ford.

Bush, 67, has no previous history of heart trouble.

USA Today reported that Bush's heart surgery caught the political world by surprise, as he was among the most physically active presidents with frequent exercise that ranged from early morning workouts to bike rides.

Since leaving office, Bush has been hosting an annual 100-km mountain bike ride for wounded troops, the most recent one in May. The ex-president was also scheduled to host a golf tournament for wounded soldiers later this summer, and aides indicated that his plans would not change.