Towie’s Amy Childs’ mum rushed to hospital for emergency surgery after heart attack
AMY Childs has revealed her mum was rushed to hospital after suffering a heart attack.
Towie star Amy, 34, shared the news in an emotional Instagram Story, explaining her mum Julie fell ill on Friday.
She wrote: “We had very worrying news last Friday. My mum had a heart attack Friday evening, I’ve been having loads of messages from close friends (sorry I haven’t got back to some of you).”
Amy also said her mum is expected to undergo a procedure to have a stent fitted this week, and praised her strength throughout the ordeal.
She said: “Mum is doing ok, she is going to hopefully be having a stent put in this week! She is so bloody strong but she needs rest.
“I’ve been all over the place this week but mum is in the best heart hospital where she is being looked after so well. Love you mum @mrsjuliechilds.
“Hopefully your be home soon to celebrate your 60th. Love you more then anything mum xxx.”
Julie will be known to fans as she starred in her daughter’s 2011 reality show, It’s All About Amy.
Amy’s father is Billy Childs, and she has an older brother named Billy.
The influencer herself had to dash to hospital in 2023 as her then five-month-old son, also named Billy, was struggling to take milk.
Terrified Amy was extremely worried and spent Christmas Day in A&E.
Explaining her absence online over the festive period, Amy told her followers at the time: “Wow what a Christmas we had this year – to say it was stressful and tough would be an understatement.
“We ended up in A&E with baby Billy Christmas Day.. he couldn’t stop coughing, high temperature, wasn’t taking his milk, we was all so worried and just wanted him better.”
She continued: “So many messages why I haven’t been on my Instagram, and thank you for all your messages! It’s been a stressful Christmas this year BUT Roll on 2024.”
She is also mum to Ritchie, five, Polly, six, and Billy’s twin sister, Millie, two.
How to reduce your risk of heart attacks and stroke
You can reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke with many of the same methods.
Heart attacks and strokes, although affecting different organs of the body, are both what we call cardiovascular events.
Both arise from similar underlying conditions, such as atherosclerosis —a buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries.
According to the American Heart Association, the risk factors for heart attacks and strokes are largely the same: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, physical inactivity and diabetes.
Therefore, addressing these risk factors can simultaneously reduce the risk of both conditions.
Here are ways you can prevent the two:
Healthy diet
- More fruit and veg: The DASH, which emphasises fruit, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins, has been shown to reduce blood pressure and improve heart health.
- Less fats: Too much saturated and trans fats can raise cholesterol levels and increase the risk of atherosclerosis. Go for healthier fats like those found in olive oil, nuts, and avocados.
- Limit salt: High salt intake is linked to high blood pressure, a major risk factor for both heart attack and stroke. The NHS recommends no more than 6g of salt per day for adults.
- Fibre: Foods high in soluble fibre, such as oats and beans, can help lower cholesterol levels.
Exercise
Walking, running, cycling, swimming – whatever you like, do it!
Aerobic exercise can strengthen the heart and improve circulation.
The NHS advises at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity each week.
Strength training exercises can help control weight, improve cholesterol levels, and reduce blood pressure. It is recommended twice a week by the NHS.
Manage blood pressure
Healthy diet and exercise can help keep your blood pressure in check.
But it is worth monitoring it yourself after the age of 40, at least, when the NHS invites adults for a check-up every five years.
High blood pressure often has no symptoms but significantly increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Quit smoking
One of the best ways to quit smoking is to use resources provided by NHS Smokefree. Support groups, medications, and other tools to help quit smoking such as vapes could be what you need to kick the habit for good – and it’s free.
Limit booze
Excessive alcohol consumption can increase blood pressure and contribute to weight gain, which can snowball and become a heart health risk.
The NHS recommends not regularly drinking more than 14 units of alcohol per week.