Updated 3:59 p.m. | Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark., is recovering from emergency heart surgery he underwent Tuesday.  

According to an aide from the senator’s office, doctors say Boozman “responded well” to the surgery.  

Boozman was taken to the Mercy Hospital Northwest Arkansas emergency room, in Rogers, Ark., by ambulance overnight after suffering from pain and chest in his arm, according to an aide. The news was first reported by the Northwest Arkansas Business Journal .  

After running several tests, doctors admitted Boozman and performed the heart surgery, an aide said. The senator’s family has visited with him and is hopeful for a full recovery, according to a press release.  

He was scheduled to speak Tuesday morning in Gravette, Ark., to commemorate the opening of the first stretch of the Bella Vista Bypass.  

Upon hearing the news of the surgery, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said, “We’re glad to hear that John is doing well and we all look forward to having him back at work. He is a fantastic Senator and a tireless advocate for Arkansas and the people he so proudly represents.”  

Boozman, 63, is the junior senator from Arkansas, serving since 2011. He previously served in the House, representing the 3^rd District.