Doctor Warns of Common Misconception Over Davina McCall’s Health Issue
Davina McCall has revealed she is facing another health challenge after being diagnosed with cardiovascular disease (CVD), a broad term covering conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. The 59-year-old learned of the diagnosis after living with high cholesterol “for quite a long time”. Because high cholesterol often produces no obvious symptoms, it can go unnoticed unless detected through a routine blood test.
The findings come as research commissioned by PocDoc and involving 2,000 women across the UK highlighted a worrying lack of awareness. Around 77 per cent of respondents did not view cardiovascular disease as a significant health threat, while 70 per cent did not know it is the world’s leading cause of death among women. Among women aged 55 and over, only 17 per cent recognised that they could be personally at risk.
Dr Kate Bunyan, lead medical director at PocDoc, said the persistent belief that heart disease mainly affects men could be preventing thousands of women from accessing crucial screening and preventive care.
Speaking exclusively to Express, she said: “High cholesterol is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, yet it rarely causes noticeable symptoms. Someone can feel entirely well while cholesterol gradually builds up in the arteries, raising the risk of a heart attack or stroke.
“That is why cholesterol checks are so important. A straightforward blood test can reveal potential risks at an early stage, giving people the chance to make preventative changes before more serious complications arise.
“This becomes particularly important as women grow older. The drop in oestrogen during menopause can influence cholesterol levels and increase cardiovascular risk, making it a key time to focus more closely on heart health,” she added.
“Davina is absolutely right not to dismiss changes in your health. If something does not feel right, arrange a medical check.”
Dr Bunyan also advised people to take action before serious symptoms appear, rather than waiting for a health crisis to prompt concern about their heart.
“My advice is never to wait until you feel seriously unwell before taking your cardiovascular health seriously. Anyone worried about their cholesterol, blood pressure, family history or overall risk should speak to their GP or another suitable healthcare professional,” she said.
She stressed that detecting cardiovascular disease early can make “a significant difference” to a person’s outlook.
“With appropriate treatment and continued support, many people with cardiovascular disease can still enjoy full and active lives.”
McCall’s latest diagnosis follows surgery last year to remove a benign brain tumour. The operation left the presenter with temporary memory loss.
She has also previously discussed her breast cancer diagnosis, which was caught early and treated with a lumpectomy.
Despite facing several serious health problems, McCall has continued to speak openly about maintaining a positive approach to life.
At a recent Hello! Magazine event, the presenter said: “I feel like a bouncy lamb, becoming more annoying as I get older. But I also feel that by behaving that way, I am giving other people permission to do the same.
“When I see other women acting exactly as they want to, I think, ‘Oh, I could do that too.’”
She added: “I cannot believe how lucky I am,” before saying: “Life throws challenges at us at this age, but it also gives us the tools we need to deal with them.”
