TV presenter Emma Willis recently underwent surgery to repair a hole in her heart, a condition she was unaware of. The minimally invasive procedure, known as keyhole heart surgery, was performed at the Royal Brompton Hospital in London.
Cardiologists can identify signs and symptoms of a hole in the heart, medically known as an atrial or ventricular septal defect (ASD or VSD). The severity of the symptoms depends on factors such as the size and location of the hole, as well as the patient’s age.
Dr. James Thompson of Johns Hopkins explained that some children are born with these defects, stressing the importance of understanding that the condition is treatable. Over time, the hole in the heart can lead to stress on the heart and cause enlargement of the right atrium, ventricle, and pulmonary arteries.
Dr. Benjamin Barnes, a pediatric cardiologist, highlighted the impact of a hole in the heart on the heart’s efficiency, emphasizing the necessity of recognizing and addressing the condition promptly.