life-saving operation
Emma Willis, 48, reveals she underwent secret surgery on her HEART after shock diagnosis
The 48-year-old has kept her ordeal private until now - and has praised her singer husband for his support throughout
EMMA Willis has opened up about undergoing surgery on her HEART.
The former Big Brother host, 48, went under the knife a few weeks ago after being given a shock diagnosis.
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Praising her Busted husband Matt Willis for never leaving her side, Emma shared snaps of herself in hospital.
The mum-of-three wrote on Instagram: "A big humungous THANK YOU to the team at the Royal Brompton Hospital for their care and support.
"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 💕
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"Turns out, I’ve been pottering around for 48 years blissfully unaware I had a hole in my heart.
"Isn’t it bonkers what’s happening in our bodies that we have no idea about…
"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.
"Can you imagine what it must feel like to have a pair of hand that can do that job?! They are the real superstar…"
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Giving credit to the medical professions who helped her in her recovery, Emma added: "A few of those people are Dr Alexander Lyon who investigated like a true super sleuth 🕵️♂️ Professor Wei Li, echocardiogram extraordinaire.
"Catrina, Carl and Tim who kept me at ease and humoured me when they were putting me to sleep.
I've put Emma through hell, but our marriage has passed the test
"Marcus, Janet, Jayne, Hannah and Reem who monitored me at various points. Paulette, who was always up for a chat, gave great hugs, and loves a cinnamon slice as much as I do!
"There was a lovely woman with me in recovery but I was so out of it I can’t remember her name (so so sorry ) and my surgeon, Dr Ee Ling Heng…
"She was recommended as ‘a spectacular pair of hands’, but my god, she's that and so much more.
"She has an ease and warmth that made me feel instantly comfortable all whilst being incredible professional and informative. I ask a million questions, and she answered them with the patience of a saint.
"I knew as soon as we met that she was the woman I wanted poking around in my heart. Thank you Ee Ling, you’re one in a trillion."
TV presenter Emma, who shares Isabelle, Ace, and Trixie with husband Matt, is the latest celebrity to bravely open up about their health struggles.
Her Big Brother predecessor Davina McCall had a benign brain tumour removed recently and former BBC Radio DJ Fearne Cotton underwent surgery on two tumours on her jawline.
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What is a hole in the heart?
According to the NHS, a hole in the heart refers to a hole in the wall (septum) between the heart's chambers, a condition known as a congenital heart defect.
This can be either a ventricular septal defect (VSD) (a hole between the ventricles) or an atrial septal defect (ASD) (a hole between the atria).
These defects are present at birth and are a type of congenital heart disease.
That means a problem with the heart's structure or function that develops before birth.
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