SPRINGFIELD - Vice President Dick Cheney underwent a successful procedure to restore an abnormal rhythm of his heart, his office said Wednesday. | Interactive Video: Create your own 11th Congressional District debate | Video

The recurrence of heart trouble was disclosed Wednesday morning after the vice president canceled a fundraising visit to Illinois for Republican congressional candidate Martin Ozinga.

The vice president's office issued a statement at Wednesday morning.

"During a visit with his doctors this morning, it was discovered that the vice president is experiencing a recurrence of atrial fibrillation, an abnormal rhythm involving the upper chambers of the heart," the statement noted.

At 3:06 p.m., his press secretary, Megan Mitchell, said, "An electrical impulse was delivered to restore the heart to normal rhythm. The procedure went smoothly and without complication."

Prior to his hospital visit, Cheney called Ozinga at home where the fundraiser was under way without him. Cheney offered his support for Ozinga's candidacy, Mitchell noted.

Last year, Cheney, 67, underwent a procedure to deal with an irregular heartbeat and has had quadruple bypass surgery in the past. Cheney suffered his first heart attack in 1978, the first of four he's had in his lifetime.

Cheney had been scheduled to fly into Chicago on Wednesday morning for a $500 per person luncheon on behalf of Ozinga, who is battling for the 11th Congressional District seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Jerry Weller, a Republican from Morris.

"This morning, the Ozinga campaign was notified that the vice president will not be able to attend today's scheduled reception at Marty Ozinga's home," said a statement by Ozinga campaign manager Andy Sere.

Ozinga, a Republican from Homer Glen, faces Democrat Debbie Halvorson of Crete and Green Party candidate Jason Wallace of Normal.

Republicans and Democrats are pouring large amounts of cash into the race in an attempt to win the open seat contest.

The 11th district stretches from Chicago's south suburbs to Bloomington-Normal.