Davina McCall has revealed she has been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease, a term for conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels. The 59-year-old announced the news last week, following her recent "all clear" after surgery for breast cancer and an operation last year to remove a benign brain tumour.
Embracing the 'Second Spring'
Speaking at Hello! Magazine's Power List party, which honoured women living fulfilled lives in their second act, McCall said: "I once heard ageing called the second spring and I love that, because it's how I feel."
She added: "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. When I see other women behaving exactly how they want, I think, 'Oh I could do that'."
Reflecting on her health battles, she said: "I can't believe how lucky I am. Life is for living and you are all brilliant examples of women who are doing just that."
Podcast Revelation and Health Warning
McCall disclosed her cardiovascular disease diagnosis during an episode of her podcast, Begin Again, in a chat with heart attack survivor Louise McGill. She stressed the importance of women taking cardiovascular health seriously, stating: "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'."
She also revealed she had high cholesterol before her diagnosis, explaining: "I had high cholesterol and had it for quite a long time. It was deemed I had good cholesterol and that offset the bad or something."
Encouraging Health Vigilance
Since sharing her journey, McCall has encouraged others to prioritise their health, be aware of potential symptoms, and seek medical advice. "If there's one takeaway today it's not to brush things off," she emphasised.
According to the NHS, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a group of conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels. It can often be prevented by maintaining a healthy lifestyle or taking medicines if required. Symptoms vary depending on the condition, and some may not present any symptoms at all. For some, the first indication could be chest pain (angina), a heart attack, or a stroke. The NHS Health Check is a free check-up for people aged 40 to 74 to assess heart and blood vessel health and inform if they are at elevated risk of developing CVD.
