Emma Willis says heart condition might continue forever after 'scary' surgery
Emma Willis made a devastating admission as she gave an update following her heart surgery. The 49-year-old presenter underwent keyhole heart surgery after going her whole life not knowing she had a 'hole in her heart'.
And now, she has admitted she still has palpitations and might have to deal with it forever. Emma, who is married to Busted singer Matt Willis, revealed the build-up to the operation was "scary" as she explained the procedure to Heart Breakfast's Jamie Theakston and Amanda Holden.
She told the presenters she had "a little device fitted into my heart to fill a hole that I never knew existed". And when Amanda asked if there had been any side effects, Emma added: "I always had palpitations, but kind of fitting with what was happening in life.
"So, if I was a bit stressed or if I'd had a night out. So, I kind of always had them. But for the past couple of years, I've been having them more and more, and they got to a point where it was quite a lot. But I also have really high cholesterol, which is why I was referred to a cardiologist.
"So, it wasn't even for that. And then when I got there, he went, 'actually, it's okay, but there is something going on with your heart and I want to check it out."
She went on to say that the fluttering has "definitely died down," but revealed they might be there for the rest of her life. "My heart has got to kind of learn how to refunction hole free."
Emma first revealed her condition on social media. At the time she wrote: "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. As was @mattjwillis who never left my side.
"Turns out, I've been pottering around for 48 years blissfully unaware I had a hole in my heart [mind blown emoji] isn't it bonkers what's happening in our bodies that we have no idea about…"
The presenter added: "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." She then went on to name the doctors, nurses and patients who helped her through the entire process.
She also shared images of her in hospital as fans and friends flocked to the comments section to send well wishes. Among those replying was Charlotte Hawkins, who said: "Oh my goodness, glad all OK! Sending love to you," while Judi Love added: "Oh we give thanks that you had a great team and recovering hun."
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