Holmes recovering from open-heart surgery

Photo / APN

Broadcaster Paul Holmes is recovering in hospital after successful open-heart surgery.

A team of surgeons led by David Haydock worked for four hours this afternoon to remove a blockage and carry out remedial work on the broadcaster's heart.

Holmes, 62, was diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy - a usually genetic condition in which the heart muscle thickens to such an extent it impedes and blocks blood flow. It affects around one in 1000 people.

Leading up to the surgery, Holmes he had been feeling breathless and lacking energy for about a month, symptoms he thought were a result of being rundown after finishing writing a book.

The extent of his condition was confirmed by his Hastings cardiologist Richard Luke last week and he was flown to Auckland.

Speaking to the Herald before his operation, Holmes admitted he was feeling slightly anxious about the procedure.

"I'm a bit scared,'' he said.

But the 62-year-old, who has survived a road accident crash, a helicopter crash and cancer said he had the utmost confidence in the team of surgeons.

Holmes, who will remain in hospital for a few days before continuing his recuperation at home, was positive about his long-term prognosis, including a return to work as a Newstalk ZB and TVNZ host and Weekend Herald columnist.

He and his wife Deborah, who were buoyed by good wishes from several hundred people before the operation, thanked everyone for their support.