Former US President Bill Clinton underwent successful heart bypass surgery on Monday at a New York hospital and was recovering, his spokesman said.

The medical team that performed the procedure at New York Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia is expected to hold a press briefing at a 4 p.m. EDT (2000 GMT) about the surgery.

Jim Kennedy, Clinton's spokesman, confirmed that the surgery was complete and successful just before 1:30 p.m. (1730 GMT).

The 58-year-old former president was admitted to hospital Friday after complaining chest pains and shortness of breath.

Doctors say the surgery is a routine procedure and Clinton should recover within a month or two.

The former president and his family issued a statement on the Clinton Foundation's Web site on Sunday, saying they felt "blessed and grateful" for thousands of prayers and messages of good will they received

The surgical team was led by Dr. Craig R. Smith, the hospital's chief of cardiothoracic surgery. The hospital where Clinton underwent the procedure is one of the country's premier hospitals for heart surgery.

Source: Xinhua