George W. Bush undergoes procedure for stent after blockage discovered

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George W. Bush undergoes successful heart procedure

Stent placed in heart to open blockage in artery

Former President George W. Bush underwent a procedure on Tuesday to have a stent inserted after a blockage was discovered in an artery, his spokesman said.

The 67-year-old former president is recovering at a Dallas hospital and is expected to return home on Wednesday, according to a written statement from spokesman Freddy Ford.

"The procedure was performed successfully this morning, without complication, at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital," the statement said.

Ford said a "blockage was discovered in an artery in his heart" during the former president's annual physical exam at the Cooper Clinic. Bush elected to undergo the procedure at the recommendation of his doctors.

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"President Bush is in high spirits, eager to return home tomorrow and resume his normal schedule on Thursday. He is grateful to the skilled medical professionals who have cared for him. He thanks his family, friends, and fellow citizens for their prayers and well wishes. And he encourages us all to get our regular check-ups," Ford said.

Bush and his wife Laura have lived in Dallas since leaving the White House in 2009. The former president keeps an active lifestyle and is an avid bike-rider, hosting an annual mountain bike ride for wounded veterans.