Bill Clinton Released From Hospital, in Good Spirits

ABC News' Huma Khan reports: Former President Bill Clinton, who underwent a heart procedure Thursday, was released today from the hospital.

"President Bill Clinton was released from New York Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia this morning in excellent health. He warmly thanks the doctors, nurses, and staff of the Hospital for the care he received, particularly Dr. Mark Apfelbaum and Dr. Michael Collins, who performed his procedure yesterday, which was overseen by Dr. Craig Smith and President Clinton's cardiologist Dr. Allan Schwartz,” Clinton’s counselor Douglas Band said in a statement.

“President Clinton would also like to thank the many people who extended their best wishes to him for a quick recovery. He looks forward in the days ahead to getting back to the work of his Foundation, and to Haiti relief and recovery efforts."

The former president was taken to the Manhattan hospital late yesterday afternoon after complaining of chest discomfort. Two stents were installed in one of his coronary arteries that was blocked. Clinton underwent a quadruple heart bypass surgery in 2004, an event he later said changed his life.

Clinton’s close friend Terry McAuliffe said on “Good Morning America” today Clinton is in good spirits and that the episode is likely to get the former president more energized than ever.

“To him, sleeping is taking time away from something he could be doing to help somebody,” McAuliffe said.