Washington, Feb 12 (DPA) Former US president Bill Clinton underwent a heart procedure after being hospitalised for chest 'discomfort', a spokesman said.

Clinton was admitted to New York Presbyterian Hospital Thursday and was 'in good spirits' after a procedure to place two stents in one of his coronary arteries, according to a statement from Douglas Band, counsellor to the former president.

Clinton, 63, underwent quadruple bypass surgery in September 2004 at the same hospital.

Daughter Chelsea was reportedly by his side while his wife, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, was on her way to New York from Washington, CNN reported, though the State Department would not confirm. She had been scheduled to leave Friday on a trip to the Middle East.

Bill Clinton has remained a prominent public figure since leaving the White House in 2001, most recently serving as UN's special envoy for Haiti.

Clinton has travelled repeatedly to Haiti since last month's devastating earthquake and joined forces with former president George W. Bush to gather donations for the impoverished Caribbean country.

The former president runs the Clinton Foundation, which focuses on development issues around the globe.

'President Clinton is in good spirits and will continue to focus on the work of his foundation and Haiti's relief and long-term recovery efforts,' Band said.