George W. Bush has heart surgery for blocked artery

Doctors placed a stent in his heart to open a blockage.

Former president George W. Bush is in "high spirits" after heart

surgery Tuesday morning, his office said.



During a physical examination Monday, doctors found a blockage in the

artery of the former president's heart, said Bush spokesman Freddy

Ford.



"At the recommendation of his doctors, President Bush agreed to have a

stent placed to open the blockage," Ford said.



The procedure at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas went off

"without complication" early Tuesday, Ford said.



The news caught the political world by surprise.



Bush was among the most physically active of presidents, with frequent

exercise that ranged from early morning workouts to bike rides.



Since leaving office, Bush has hosted an annual 100-kilometer mountain

bike ride for wounded troops, the most recent in May near Waco.



The president is scheduled to host a golf tournament for wounded

warriors later this summer, and aides indicated his plans would not

change.



Bush, 67, is scheduled to return home Wednesday and "resume his normal

schedule on Thursday," Ford said.



Tributes poured in across the Web. "Prayers to President George W.

Bush for a fast recovery," tweeted Republican Party Chairman Reince

Priebus.



Aides said Bush is in good shape because of early detection.



Bush "is grateful to the skilled medical professionals who have cared

for him," Ford said. "He thanks his family, friends and fellow

citizens for their prayers and well wishes."



Ford added: "And he encourages us all to get our regular check-ups."