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Emma Willis, the 49-year-old presenter of The Voice, recently underwent keyhole surgery after discovering she had been living with a heart condition for nearly five decades. This shocking revelation came after she was diagnosed with a hole in her heart, a condition she was previously unaware of.
The mother of three, who is married to Matt Willis of Busted, shared her experience through a series of Instagram posts. In her message, she expressed immense gratitude towards the medical team at Royal Brompton Hospital, stating, “A big humungous THANK YOU to the team for their care and support.”
In her detailed post, Emma recounted her journey: “A few weeks ago, I had keyhole heart surgery, which feels very strange to write, and even stranger when I say it out loud. From investigations last year to diagnosis and then surgery, they were absolutely incredible [the hospital team]. As was @mattjwillis who never left my side.” She reflected on her surprise at having lived with a heart defect for 48 years without any knowledge of it, remarking on the complexities of the human body.
Emma went on to highlight the marvels of contemporary medicine, praising the dedicated professionals who contribute to the healing and improving of lives each day.
Understanding Holes in the Heart
A hole in the heart, medically known as a congenital heart defect, arises during fetal development, meaning it is present at birth. Statistics indicate that around one in 100 babies born in the UK are affected by some form of heart defect.
Such defects fall into the category of septal defects, which involve abnormalities in the septum—the wall dividing the heart’s chambers. The two predominant types include the atrial septal defect (ASD) and the ventricular septal defect (VSD).
As senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation (BHF), Julie Ward notes, “If the hole is located in the atria—the upper chambers of the heart—it is classified as an atrial septal defect. Conversely, if found in the ventricles at the base of the heart, it is termed a ventricular septal defect.” It is possible to have multiple defects present at birth.
Symptoms of a Hole in the Heart
Many individuals with a hole in their heart may go undiagnosed at birth, as noted by Ward, who explains that some holes are so small they may not present any symptoms and require no treatment.
There are instances where minor holes close naturally over time. However, as individuals age, these openings may enlarge, leading to potential symptoms. Patients might experience a range of manifestations, making diagnosis variable; some may learn of their condition in childhood, while others might only discover it later in life. In some cases, larger septal defects may be identified during pregnancy.
Ward states, “If the hole is larger, the blood may flow back and forth between the chambers instead of remaining where it should. Patients may therefore experience shortness of breath, fatigue, exercise limitations, or even arrhythmias.” According to the BHF, untreated septal defects can sometimes lead to more severe complications such as heart failure and stroke.
Diagnosis of a Hole in the Heart
For anyone experiencing unusual symptoms, consulting a GP is crucial for a thorough evaluation, as stated by Ward.
Doctors may diagnose the condition by listening for abnormal heart sounds, known as murmurs, using a stethoscope, which could indicate abnormal blood flow. Further tests might be necessary, and individuals found to have a heart defect may be monitored closely or referred for surgical intervention in some situations.
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