Obama gives Bush a call after heart op

US President Barack Obama has called his predecessor, George W Bush, to wish him well as he recovers from a heart procedure to ease a blocked artery.

White House spokesman Jay Carney said the two men spoke yesterday. He said Mr Obama was glad to hear the procedure went well and that Mr Bush is recovering.

Mr Bush was discharged from a Texas hospital on Wednesday, a day after having a stent inserted to prop open an artery. The blockage was discovered during his annual physical.

His spokesman said he is “doing great” and is expected to resume his normal schedule.

The two men last met in person in April, when Mr Obama attended the opening of Mr Bush’s presidential library and centre in Dallas.