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TV presenter Emma Willishas disclosedthat she had been unknowingly living with ahole in her heartfor her entire life. The 49 year old was diagnosed last year and is now championing a campaign with the British Heart Foundation (BHF) to raise awareness about individuals living with heart conditions.

The condition, known as anatrial septal defect(ASD), is a hole in the wall separating the two upper chambers of the heart. This results in blood flowing from the left to the right upper chambers of the heart, creating a swishing sound or murmur often detected in young patients.

ASD is a congenital heart disease, meaning it's present at birth. It can even be diagnosed in utero if the doctor detects the murmur. The cause of ASD remains unknown.

Adults with ASD may experience:

• Shortness of breath
• Not able to exercise for long
• Feeling tired
• Irregular or extra heart beats
• Fainting
• Lung infections

Children with ASD rarely show symptoms but these can include:

• Shortness of breath, especially when exercising
• Being very tired
• Being underweight and slow growth
• Respiratory infections such as throat and lung infections
• Arrhythmias

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The BHF encourages anyone experiencing these symptoms to consult their doctor. If left untreated, ASD can lead to serious medical emergencies such as heart failure, stroke, and pulmonary hypertension.

This is due to the additional blood in the right atrium forcing the lungs to work harder, which can damage the lung arteries.

Emma received her diagnosis during a routine health check in January last year. She shared: "I was floored as I had gone 48 years oblivious, not knowing anything was wrong. The mental shift was the biggest challenge, because when you hear those words, it terrifies you.

"My perspective on life shifted. From diagnosis to surgery was the most present I have been in my life. I'm hoping that sharing my story will help others going through something like this."

The treatment required hinges on the size of the heart hole. According to the BHF, in most instances, the hole will close by adulthood without any intervention.

Patients with small holes and no symptoms may not require treatment. However, if symptoms are experienced or the hole is particularly large, it may need to be closed via keyhole or open heart surgery.

There is no medication for ASD as the hole can only be physically closed through surgery. Following this procedure, most patients can lead a normal life.

The BHF is set to unveil 65 red benches across the UK in honour of those living with cardiovascular disease, marking one for each year the charity has been in existence.

Each bench will bear the name of a survivor along with a brief message about them and their interests.