Jean-Claude Van Damme has suffered a heart attack.

The action-movie legend was due to shoot scenes for new movie 'Weapon' last week when he suffered the minor attack, leading him to need hospital treatment in New Orleans.

Production on the project was delayed as a result and Van Damme, who turned 50 on Monday (18.10.10), went home to his native Belgium to recuperate. He is expected to make a full recovery.

When contacted, Van Damme's representative confirmed he was "OK".

It is not known when the star - known as the Muscles from Brussels - will return to work on Ernie Barbarash's 'Weapon', which tells the tale of two rival assassins who form an "uneasy" Bond to take down a drug gang.

Van Damme is well known for his action work, with famous movies including 'A.W.O.L: Absent Without Leave' and 'Kickboxer'.

He is due to film the fourth instalment in the 'Universal Soldier' franchise in 2011.