Davina McCall has revealed she is facing a new health challenge after being diagnosed with cardiovascular disease (CVD), a term covering conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. The 59-year-old presenter learned of the condition following a prolonged period of high cholesterol.
High cholesterol often goes undetected, but a simple blood test can identify it. Research commissioned by PocDoc, which surveyed 2,000 women across the UK, found that 77 per cent did not consider cardiovascular disease a significant health risk. Additionally, 70 per cent were unaware that it is the world's biggest killer of women, and only 17 per cent of women aged 55 and over recognised their personal risk.
Doctor's Warning on Women's Heart Health
Dr Kate Bunyan, Lead Medical Director at PocDoc, addressed the misconception that cardiovascular disease mainly affects men. She warned that this perception could mean thousands of women miss crucial opportunities for early detection and prevention.
Speaking exclusively, Dr Bunyan said: "High cholesterol is one of the major risk factors for cardiovascular disease, but it rarely causes any symptoms. You can feel perfectly healthy while cholesterol builds up in your arteries, increasing your risk of a heart attack or stroke."
She added: "That's why getting your cholesterol checked is so important. A simple blood test can help identify potential risks early, giving people an opportunity to take preventative action before more serious problems develop."
Menopause and Cardiovascular Risk
Dr Bunyan highlighted that this is particularly important for women as they age. "The fall in oestrogen around menopause can affect cholesterol levels and increase cardiovascular risk, making it an important time to pay closer attention to heart health," she said.
She also endorsed McCall's approach: "Davina's advice not to brush things off is exactly right. If something doesn't feel right, get it checked."
Dr Bunyan urged people not to wait for serious symptoms before taking heart health seriously. "My advice would always be not to wait until something feels seriously wrong before taking your heart health seriously. If you have concerns about your cholesterol, blood pressure, family history or cardiovascular risk, speak to your GP or another appropriate healthcare professional," she added.
Early Detection Makes a Difference
Dr Bunyan stressed that detecting cardiovascular problems early can make "a significant difference." She noted: "With the right treatment and ongoing support, many people living with cardiovascular disease can continue to lead full and active lives."
McCall's latest health concern follows surgery last year to remove a benign brain tumour, an ordeal that left her with temporary memory loss. She has also spoken about receiving a breast cancer diagnosis, which was caught at an early stage and treated via a lumpectomy.
Despite these health battles, McCall remains determined to keep a positive outlook. Speaking at a recent event hosted by Hello! Magazine, she said: "I do feel like a bouncy lamb, getting more annoying as I get older. I also feel as though, by doing that, it's liberating other people."
She added: "When I see other women behaving exactly how they want, I think, 'Oh I could do that'. I can't believe how lucky I am. Life throws us challenges at this age, but life also gives you the tools to deal with it."
