George W. Bush Underwent Heart Surgery for Blocked Heart Artery

Aug 06, 2013 05:54 AM EDT

Former President George W. Bush is “‘in high spirits” after undergoing a heart surgery at a Dallas hospital to place a stent in a block heart artery, his office said.

Bush, 67, is “eager to return home tomorrow and resume his normal schedule on Thursday,” said Bush spokesman Freddy Ford.

Doctors discovered the blockage on Monday during Bush’s annual physical exam at the Cooper Clinic in Dallas, Ford said. “At the recommendation of his doctors, President Bush agreed to have a stent placed to open the blockage.”

The procedure at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas went off “without complication” early Monday morning, said the statement.

Bush’s heart surgery surprised many in the political world, because the former president has been physically active with frequent early morning workouts to bike rides, the USA Today reports.

Meanwhile, Bush has also hosted an annual 100-kilometer mountain bike ride for wounded soldiers.

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.”