EMMA Willis has recieved a shock diagnosis for a silent condition she has had since birth, which left her needing surgery.
"Turns out, I’ve been pottering around for 48 years blissfully unaware I had a hole in my heart," the TV presenter said.
She added: "Isn’t it bonkers what’s happening in our bodies that we have no idea about."
The 49-year-old former Big Brother host shared photos from hospital after having keyhole surgery to fix the issue - a type of congenital heart defect 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 Covid pandemic.
Experts believe the increase may be linked to several lockdown-related factors.
This includes heightened maternal stress and reduced access to routine care.
Many women experienced delays in prenatal appointments and higher levels of anxiety, both of which can impact fetal development.
Disruptions across the healthcare system also meant some heart defects may have gone undetected or untreated during pregnancy.
Congenital heart defects can occur in various forms, but two of the most common types are:
Symptoms of the condition can vary depending on the type of defect, but common signs include:
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 heart failure, high blood pressure 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.
A 'hole in the heart' is a common term for a congenital heart defect — a problem with the heart's structure that’s present from birth.
There are two main types:
Small holes often close on their own and may not cause symptoms.
Larger ones can lead to breathlessness, poor feeding, or tiredness in babies and may need surgery.
Treatment is usually very successful, and many children go on to live healthy lives.
Source: NHS
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 open-heart surgery, comes with fewer risks, and means a quicker recovery.
The mum-of-three wrote on Instagram: "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 @mattjwillis who never left my side".
She added: "What blows my mind is the wonders of modern medicine, 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 Alexander Lyon who investigated like a true super sleuth Professor Wei Li, echocardiogram extraordinaire. Catrina, Carl and Tim who kept me at ease and humoured me when they were putting me to sleep.
"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, Dr Ee Ling Heng…"
Her Big Brother predecessor Davina McCall had a benign brain tumour removed recently.
And former BBC Radio DJ Fearne Cotton underwent surgery on two tumours on her jawline.
