British television personality Emma Willis is on the mend after doctors discovered a hole in her heart, forcing her to undergo surgery to fix the congenital defect.
According to The Keyhole Heart Clinic, the procedure is a minimally invasive alternative to open-heart surgery. In lieu of splitting the breastbone, the technique allows doctors to access the heart by making small incisions, usually between the ribs.
The surgical technique can be used to treat a number of heart conditions, including valve disorders, tumors, abnormal rhythms, and holes, also known as septal defects.
The “Love Is Blind: UK” host thanked her husband, 41-year-old singer-songwriter Matt Willis, for his support. The couple, who married in 2008, have three children: Isabelle, 15, Ace, 13, and Trixie, 8.
Willis also expressed gratitude to the staff at Royal Brompton Hospital, a heart specialist center in London, for caring for her in her time of need.
“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,” the presenter penned. “Can you imagine what it must feel like to have a pair of [hands] that can do that job?! They are the real superstar.”
Willis received an outpouring of supportive messages from her fans and followers in the comment section.
“You’re amazing! Sending love,” Irish model Laura Whitmore wrote.
“Strongest of hearts—even when that hole was there!” added actress Giovanna Fletcher. “Imagine the strength of your heart now these legends have worked on it!”
Alex Murphy Klein, a professional ice skater who appeared on the ITV series “Dancing on Ice,” welcomed Willis to the “holey heart club.”
Doctors confirmed that a patent foramen ovale, a hole between the upper chambers of the heart, was the cause of her medical emergency, and Klein subsequently underwent surgery to mend the defect.
“So glad you had your surgery!” Klein told Willis. “You’ll be feeling better in no time! Sending lots of love.”
