EMMA Willis has revealed she was unknowingly living with a hole in her heart her entire life.
“Turns out, I’ve been pottering around for 48 years blissfully unaware I had a hole in my heart,” the TV presenter said.
“Isn’t it bonkers what’s happening in our bodies that we have no idea about,” she added.
The 49-year-old former host shared photos from after having to fix the issue – a type of she had at birth.
Around one in every 100 babies born in the UK is diagnosed with a congenital heart defect – and cases are on the rise.
Recent studies show that the prevalence of congenital heart defects in the UK has increased, with cases rising by 16 per cent since the start of the .
Experts believe the increase may be linked to several .
This includes heightened and reduced access to routine care.
Many women experienced delays in and higher levels of , both of which can impact fetal development.
Disruptions across the healthcare system also meant some heart defects may have gone undetected or untreated during .
Congenital heart defects can occur in various forms, but two of the most common types are:
- Atrial septal defect (ASD): A hole between the top chambers of the heart, which can allow blood to flow incorrectly between the two atria
- Ventricular septal defect (VSD): A hole between the bottom chambers of the heart, leading to abnormal blood flow between the two ventricles
Symptoms of the condition can vary depending on the type of defect, but common signs include:
- Rapid breathing or difficulty breathing
- Poor feeding or difficulty gaining weight in infants
- (a bluish tint to the skin, lips, or nails)
- or tiring easily during physical activity
- , abdomen, or around the eyes
- (an abnormal sound heard during a heartbeat)
If any of these symptoms are noticed, it's important to seek medical advice for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
These defects can affect how the heart functions, leading to problems such as reduced oxygen flow to the body.
If left untreated, congenital heart defects can result in complications such as , in the lungs, and other serious health issues, which can be life-threatening.
Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent these risks.
In some cases, surgery is needed to fix the hole and help the heart work properly.
Emma had keyhole surgery, which means small cuts in the chest instead of opening the breastbone – a method used in traditional open-heart surgery.
It’s less invasive than , comes with fewer risks, and means a quicker recovery.
The mum-of-three wrote on : “A big humungous THANK YOU to the team at the Royal Brompton Hospital for their care and support.
“From investigations last year, to diagnosis and then surgery, they were absolutely incredible. As was@mattjwilliswho never left my side”.
She added “What blows my mind is the wonders of modern, and the spectacular people that save, fix and help us every single day.
“Can you imagine what it must feel like to have a pair of hand that can do that job?! They are the real superstar...”
Giving credit to the medical professionals who helped her in her recovery, Emma added: “A few of those people are Dr AlexanderLyonwho investigated like a true super sleuth 🕵ï¸â€â™‚ï¸ Professor Wei Li, echocardiogram extraordinaire. Catrina, Carl and Tim who kept me at ease and humoured me when they were putting me tosleep.
“Marcus, Janet, Jayne, Hannah and Reem who monitored me at various points. Paulette, who was always up for a chat, gave great hugs, and loves a cinnamon slice as much as I do!
“There was a lovely woman with me in recovery but I was so out of it I can’t remember her name (so so sorry ) and my surgeon, DrEeLing Heng...”
Her Big Brother predecessor Davina McCall had arecently.
And former BBC Radio DJ Fearne Cotton underwent
