Davina McCall has revealed she has cardiovascular disease, urging women to prioritise their heart health. The 58-year-old TV presenter shared the update almost two years after being diagnosed with a rare brain tumour, speaking candidly during an emotional episode of her podcast, Begin Again.
The conversation focused on the frequently overlooked connection between menopause and cardiovascular disease, with Davina discussing her own battle with high cholesterol and the importance of spotting potential warning signs.
Nine key symptoms of heart disease
More than eight million people are living with cardiovascular disease in the UK. Senior British Heart Foundation cardiac nurse Ruth Goss has shared nine key symptoms of a potential heart problem, including stomach pain, extreme fatigue and chest pain.
1. Chest pain – One of the most common signs of a heart attack. It may feel like heaviness, tightness or pressure in the chest, often described as "an elephant" standing on the chest or "a tight band" around it. Pain may spread to the arm, neck, upper back and stomach, with feelings of sickness, sweating, light-headedness or shortness of breath.
2. Stomach pain like indigestion – A painful or burning feeling in the chest or stomach can signal a heart attack or related heart problem, though it can be hard to tell apart from indigestion. If unsure, call NHS 111 for advice.
3. Shortness of breath – Common with heart conditions including heart attack, chest pain, heart failure, heart valve disease and abnormal heart rhythms, but also linked to lung conditions and anxiety. New or worsening symptoms should be discussed with a doctor.
4. Choking feeling – Angina can cause tightness or pain in the throat, often described as a "restricting" or "choking" sensation. If it continues without a prior heart diagnosis, call NHS 111. If other heart attack signs appear, call an ambulance.
5. Dizziness – Can indicate the heart is not pumping enough blood to the brain, often associated with arrhythmias or low blood pressure caused by heart problems. Frequent dizziness, especially with other heart-related symptoms, warrants a doctor's appointment.
6. Swelling – Swollen ankles, feet, legs or abdomen can be a marker of heart failure. It is worth making an appointment with a GP if this occurs.
7. Leg pain – A cramping sensation in the calves when walking, relieved by rest within 10 minutes, is a marker of peripheral arterial disease (PAD). The pain occurs because narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the legs. PAD is most common in smokers and people with diabetes.
8. Extreme fatigue – Feeling tired all the time can be a symptom of heart failure, but if lifestyle has not changed and extreme tiredness appears, it is advisable to speak to a GP.
9. Palpitations – Becoming suddenly aware of a racing or irregular heartbeat is usually harmless, caused by stress, caffeine or hormonal changes. However, if the heart is very fast and erratic, or if blackouts occur, seek medical help immediately.
Davina's diagnosis and message
Davina's diagnosis comes after she underwent an operation to remove a rare benign brain tumour in late 2024, followed by significant memory loss, which she has discussed openly while reflecting on what she described as her "hardest year".
Speaking on Begin Again, she said: "I wanted to let you know, I also have cardiovascular disease, and this is a very important conversation to have. Anyone can get sick and when I had my cancer experience, you just suddenly feel vulnerable in a way you weren't before... Once you've been ill, you think 'Oh, I thought I was invincible'."
During the episode, Davina spoke with Louise McGill, who experienced a heart attack at age 45 despite having had a routine health check 10 weeks prior. Louise had marginally raised cholesterol but was deemed at low risk, and had finished a 5k run just a month before her heart attack.
Davina identified parallels with her own history of high cholesterol, saying: "That's exactly what happened to me. I had high cholesterol and I'd had it for quite a long time, and it was deemed that because I had high good cholesterol, that offset the bad."
The presenter had previously disclosed in 2021 that she had been warned she was at risk of heart disease, despite maintaining a slim physique and healthy lifestyle.
