The TV presenter discovered she had been living with the defect her entire life after diagnosis at 48
TV host Emma Willis has revealed that she has been living unknowingly with a hole in her heart for her entire life. The 49 year old was diagnosed last year and is now spearheading a campaign with the British Heart Foundation to raise awareness about people living with 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. This causes blood to flow from the left to the right upper chambers of the heart, creating a swishing sound or murmur often detected in young patients.
ASD is a congenital heart disease, meaning it’s present at birth. It can even be diagnosed in utero if the doctor detects the murmur. The cause of ASD remains unknown.
Adults with ASD may experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, inability to exercise for extended periods, fatigue, irregular or extra heartbeats, fainting, and lung infections. Children with ASD rarely exhibit symptoms, but when they do, these can include shortness of breath (especially during exercise), extreme tiredness, being underweight and slow growth, respiratory infections like throat and lung infections, and arrhythmias.
The BHF urges anyone experiencing these symptoms to consult their doctor. If left untreated, ASD can lead to serious medical emergencies such as heart failure, stroke, and pulmonary hypertension. The additional blood in the right atrium puts extra strain on the lungs, potentially damaging the lung arteries.
Emma discovered she had the condition during a routine health check in January last year. She confessed: “I was floored as I had gone 48 years oblivious, not knowing anything was wrong. The mental shift was the biggest challenge, because when you hear those words, it terrifies you.
“My perspective on life shifted. From diagnosis to surgery was the most present I have been in my life. I’m hoping that sharing my story will help others going through something like this.”
The treatment required depends on the size of the hole in the heart. The BHF states that in most cases, the hole will close by adulthood without any intervention.
Patients with small holes and no symptoms may not need treatment. However, if symptoms are present or the hole is particularly large, it may need to be closed via keyhole or open heart surgery.
There is no medication for ASD as the hole can only be physically closed through surgery. After undergoing this procedure, most patients can lead a normal life.
The BHF plans to unveil 65 red benches across the UK in tribute to those living with cardiovascular disease, marking one for each year the charity has been in existence. Each bench will carry the name of a survivor along with a brief message about them and their interests.
