TV presenter Emma Willis, 49, has revealed she underwent surgery after being diagnosed with a 'hole in the heart'. The former Big Brother host was treated at the Royal Brompton Hospital in London and said her husband, Busted singer Matt Willis, 'never left my side'. She shared the news on social media, assuring fans she is recovering well.
A 'hole in the heart' is a congenital heart condition, meaning it is present from birth. However, it can go unnoticed for years. The NHS states that congenital heart disease affects almost one in 100 babies born in the UK. The condition often refers to a septal defect, a hole between two of the heart's chambers.
There are two main types: atrial septal defect (ASD), a hole between the collecting chambers, and ventricular septal defect (VSD), a hole between the pumping chambers. Small holes may close on their own, but larger ones require surgery. Causes can include maternal infections like rubella, certain medications, smoking, alcohol, or poorly controlled diabetes during pregnancy.
Symptoms in young people include chest infections, breathlessness during exercise, fatigue, being underweight, and irregular heartbeats. In adults, signs include shortness of breath, fainting, and lung infections. The NHS advises seeking medical help if these symptoms occur.
