The heart surgeon who performed a quadruple bypass on Jean Chretien says the former prime minister is in "very good condition," and will make a full recovery.
Chretien underwent the operation at the Montreal Heart Institute early Wednesday, after complaining of chest pains while golfing with a heart specialist the day before.
"He's in very good condition, he's resting," Dr. Michel Pellerin, who performed the surgery, told reporters Wednesday evening.
"His vital signs are excellent."
He said Chretien suffered from "unstable angina," caused by obstruction of the coronary arteries.
Chretien, 73, will remain in hospital for the next five to seven days.
Although Chretien's mother had a heart condition, doctors said he's not at high risk, while his brother lived to 93.
Lawrence Martin, who has written two books on Chretien, said the former prime minister is always physically active.
"He boasted to me once -- and this was not long ago -- that he was doing 50 push-ups every morning, and he was damn proud of it," Martin told CTV News.
"He would always try to convince you how strong he was. He would grab you by the hand, grab you by the shoulder, and put the squeeze on."
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Prime Minister Stephen Harper expressed concern for Chretien's health.
"I think we all were all rather surprised and alarmed to hear the news today of Mr. Chretien's surgery," he said.
"I understand it's gone well, and we certainly wish Mr. Chretien a speedy recovery."
Stephane Dion, the current Liberal leader, issued a statement Wednesday saying he was heartened by Chretien's "excellent prognosis" for a full recovery.
"Throughout his decades of public service, Mr. Chretien has shown an unceasing commitment to Canada and today I join all Canadians in sending him support and encouragement."
Dion added that he's proud to have been brought into politics by Chretien, who recruited the university professor to serve as unity minister in the wake of the 1995 referendum on Quebec independence.
"It was a privilege to serve in his cabinet and it is an honour to be his friend," Dion said.
Chretien had been scheduled to speak at an Asia-Pacific mining conference luncheon in Vancouver, but dropped out at the last minute.
No details were available about the nature of the illness, but organizers said Chretien felt sick and was advised by his doctor not to travel.
Peter Donolo, a former Liberal communications director for Chretien, said he seemed in good spirits Tuesday night before his surgery.
"I was able to have a brief talk with him last night in the hospital, over the phone," Donolo told CTV's Mike Duffy Live. "And of course, in typical fashion, he was cracking jokes. He said he was rethinking the title of his memoirs, and calling the second volume 'Straight Through the Heart.'"
Chretien led the Liberals into office in 1993, bringing about a crushing defeat of the Progressive Conservatives.
He went on to lead Liberal governments for a decade, until he was eventually succeeded by Paul Martin in 2003 amid deep-rooted party infighting and the legacy of the so-called sponsorship and Shawinigate scandals.
Since retiring from politics Chretien has worked at an Ottawa law firm, toured the lecture circuit and worked on his autobiography.
CTV's Roger Smith said Chretien is known for maintaining a high level of personal fitness. During his time in office he was an avid golfer and skier.
A friend of Chretien told CP the former prime minister happed to be playing golf on Monday with a heart specialist. During the course of the game, Chretien mentioned that he'd been having periodic chest pains.
The unnamed friend said Chretien was advised by the doctor to take the problem seriously and have it examined.
With reports from CTV's Craig Oliver and The Canadian Press
