London: British Prime Minister Tony Blair has suffered from an irregular heartbeat and will follow doctor's orders to rest on October 19.

Fifty-year-old Blair was resting at home last night in Downing Street having undergone treatment at the Hammersmith Hospital in West London, where he was admitted earlier in the day after feeling unwell.

Downing Street has confirmed that Blair first went to Stoke Mandeville Hospital from his Chequers residence after complaining of feeling "a little under the weather".

Blair, who has never suffered heart problems before, was advised to go to London's Hammersmith Hospital, where he was found to have an irregular heartbeat.

At the hospital Blair was kept in for observation for five to six hours.

He underwent a series of tests but later returned home to Downing Street where he was said to be feeling "fine".

Doctors established that he had an irregular heart beat which causes fluctuations and palpitations.

Downing Street sought to play down the incident, saying there is no reason to be concerned.

"The hospital says this is a relatively common condition and is easily treated," a spokesman said.

"He has suffered no damage and he is fine. There is no reason why this should reoccur. They have advised him to rest for 24 hours."

PTI