Former King Gyanendra Shah on Wednesday underwent an angioplasty to reopen his blocked blood vessels, said sources at Thapathali-based Norvic Hospital. He was rushed to the hospital this morning after he complained of chest pain.

A team of doctors led by Dr Yadav Bhatta, cardiologist at Norvic Hospital, performed the procedure on Shah.

“Doctors have successfully implanted a coronary stent in his artery to keep them open and for smooth supply of blood,” said Dr Yadav Bhatta. His condition is stable now and will remain in the hospital for a few days.

Family sources said a block in a heart valve was detected during Shah's regular health check-up.

Shah has been living in a forest retreat in Nagarjun, on the outskirts of Kathmandu, after the abolition of monarchy in 2008.