Bill Clinton 'hospitalised in New York City'

Bill Clinton has reportedly been taken to hospital in New York City.

According to ABC News, the former US president was wheeled into an ambulance on a gurney for what is being called "a stent procedure" on his heart after experiencing chest pains.

Clinton's counsellor Douglas Band has released a statement saying that the 63-year-old is in "good spirits".

"Today President Bill Clinton was admitted to the Columbia campus of NY Presbyterian hospital after feeling discomfort in his chest," Band said.

"Following a visit to his cardiologist, he underwent a procedure to place two stents in one of his coronary arteries. 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."

Clinton had already undergone a heart bypass surgery to resolve blockages in 2004. Stents are typically used to force open closed blood vessels.

His wife and Secretary of State Hilary Clinton apparently left the White House to join her husband and is said to be "unconcerned and in good spirits" about the situation.