Paul Holmes in "serious but stable condition"

Broadcaster Paul Holmes is in a serious but stable condition this afternoon following his heart surgery yesterday.

A team of surgeons led by Mark Webster worked for four hours to remove a blockage and carry out remedial work.

The 62-year-old 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.

Holmes' family said they appreciated the support they had received from the public but were requesting privacy.