TV host Emma Willis has revealed that she lived unknowingly with a hole in her heart for 48 years. The 49-year-old was diagnosed last year and is now spearheading a campaign with the British Heart Foundation (BHF) to raise awareness about heart conditions.
The condition, known as an atrial septal defect (ASD), is a hole in the wall separating the two upper chambers of the heart. It causes blood to flow from the left to the right upper chambers, creating a murmur often detected in young patients. ASD is a congenital heart disease present at birth, though its cause remains unknown.
Adults with ASD may experience shortness of breath, fatigue, irregular heartbeats, fainting, and lung infections. Children rarely exhibit symptoms, but when they do, these can include shortness of breath during exercise, extreme tiredness, and slow growth. If left untreated, ASD can lead to heart failure, stroke, and pulmonary hypertension.
Emma discovered her condition during a routine health check in January last year. She said: 'I was floored as I had gone 48 years oblivious. The mental shift was the biggest challenge, because when you hear those words, it terrifies you.' She underwent surgery two months after diagnosis and now encourages others to seek help if they experience symptoms.
Treatment depends on the size of the hole. Small holes may close without intervention, but larger ones may require keyhole or open heart surgery. The BHF urges anyone with symptoms to consult their doctor. To mark its 65th anniversary, the charity plans to unveil 65 red benches across the UK in tribute to those living with cardiovascular disease.
