Bush's artery was 95 percent blocked, source says

President George W. Bush’s recent heart problems may have been much more serious than previously thought.

In August, the 67-year-old former president underwent a procedure to have a stent inserted, after a routine stress test discovered a blockage in one of his arteries. But now, the National Journal quoted a source close to the president, saying the blockage was actually quite severe.

"He was more than 95 percent occluded," an authoritative source told the National Journal. "With a blockage like that in a main artery you're supposed to die. He was pretty lucky they caught it."

According to Freddy Ford, a spokesman for the office of George W. Bush, the procedure was performed successfully without complication.

“He is grateful to the skilled medical professionals who have cared for him. He thanks his family, friends, and fellow citizens for their prayers and well wishes. And he encourages us all to get our regular check-ups," Ford said in a written statement.