Emma Willis, the popular The Voice presenter, recently revealed that she underwent keyhole surgery after discovering she had been unknowingly living with a hole in her heart for nearly five decades. The 49-year-old mother of three, who is married to Busted vocalist Matt Willis, shared her experience with fans through a heartfelt Instagram post yesterday evening. In her post, she expressed immense gratitude to the medical staff at Royal Brompton Hospital, stating, "A big humungous THANK YOU to the team for their care and support."

In a detailed caption accompanying her post, Emma shared her journey from the initial investigations last year to her diagnosis and eventual surgery. "A few weeks ago, I had keyhole heart surgery, which feels very strange to write, and even stranger when I say it out loud," she wrote. "Turns out, Ive been pottering around for 48 years blissfully unaware I had a hole in my heart! Isnt it bonkers whats happening in our bodies that we have no idea about?" Her emotional message also highlighted the marvels of modern medicine and the dedication of healthcare professionals, stating, "What blows my mind even more is the wonders of modern medicine, and the spectacular people that save, fix and help us every single day."

A hole in the heart, known medically as a septal defect, is classified as a congenital heart disease. This condition develops during fetal development and is something individuals are born with. In the UK, approximately one in every 100 babies is born with some type of congenital heart defect. More specifically, a septal defect occurs when there is an abnormality in the septumthe wall separating the heart's chambers. There are two primary types of septal defects: atrial septal defect (ASD), which occurs in the upper chambers, and ventricular septal defect (VSD), which occurs in the lower chambers of the heart.

According to Julie Ward, a senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation (BHF), If the hole in the septum is in the atriathe top chambers of the heartits called an atrial septal defect. If its in the ventricles at the bottom, its called a ventricular septal defect. Interestingly, individuals can be born with multiple holes in their heart.

Symptoms of a hole in the heart can vary significantly; many times the defect is so small it may go undetected at birth. Ward notes that some individuals may have such minor defects that they experience no symptoms and require no treatment, living their lives unaware of their condition. In certain cases, small holes can close on their own as a person grows. However, as they age, some defects can enlarge, leading to more noticeable symptoms. These symptoms can manifest differently at various life stages, with some individuals receiving diagnosis in childhood, while others may only learn of their condition in adulthood. Larger holes may even be detected during prenatal ultrasounds.

If the defect is sizable, it can cause blood to flow abnormally between the heart's chambers, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath, excessive fatigue, reduced exercise tolerance, fainting spells, or irregular heartbeats. More severe cases can potentially lead to heart failure or stroke, as indicated by the BHF.

Diagnosing a hole in the heart typically begins with a visit to a general practitioner (GP) if one experiences unusual symptoms. During an examination, the physician will use a stethoscope to listen for a heart murmura sound that could signify abnormal blood flow. If a defect is suspected, further tests may be recommended. For those diagnosed with a hole in their heart, treatment may involve regular monitoring, and in some instances, surgical intervention.

Emma Willis's experience shines a light on the importance of heart health awareness and the remarkable advances in medical treatments available today. Her openness not only highlights her personal journey but also serves to encourage others to pay attention to their heart health.